This paper introduces the various upstream land use activities that are major contributors of downstream water pollution. The proposed measures to reduce the pollution of downstream water bodies such as sustainable agricultural activities, systematic land allocation and management are discussed in the paper. It presents the analysis of upstream land use against the water quality parameters measured at different water management facilities to identify the most significant land use factors for optimization. Recommendations on how to optimize land use allocation and formulate policies for the purpose of protecting downstream water bodies, as well as reducing the cost associated with water purification, are mentioned.