Over 1,000 workers at United Utilities have voted to strike over cuts and the quality of water it provides to homes and businesses across the North West.
Members of the GMB union are to down tools following an industrial action ballot.
The union said that 1,100 workers will take part in the action and said that 68% of its members voted to strike. However, United Utilities said there was only a 57% turnout in the vote.
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It added that only 38% of the 1,100 voted in favour of strike action and that it is not true to claim that 68% of the 1,100 voted in favour.
Dates for the strike, which will affect leaks, maintenance and cleaning up sewage after spillages, will be announced in the coming days.
GMB organiser Steve Whittle said: "There is real frustration from our members.
"They’ve seen their pay slashed in real terms for several years, while shareholders and directors trouser fortunes.
"Meanwhile the infrastructure is left to crumble through a lack of investment.
"Enough is enough – GMB members at United Utilities demand no more cuts and clean water now."
A United Utilities spokesperson said: "That vote took place two weeks ago. Since then we have made an improved pay offer which ranges between 7.5% to 8.6% for our employees, along with an additional payment of £1,000.
"All four recognised unions, including GMB, are currently balloting their members on the new offer.
"We have positive relations with our trade unions and have awarded pay settlements year on year as part of constructive negotiations. If this latest pay offer is accepted, then the overall increase in base salaries, since 2020, would be between 16.6% and 17.7%, plus additional one-off lump sum payments of £1,500.
"GMB has not notified us of strike action and all of our employees continue to work as normal, maintaining services for customers."
