Stop pollutants contaminating our water
Our groundwater and rivers are being polluted by contaminants from industry, agriculture and homes, and current regulation is not doing enough to prevent it. As a result, the costs of treating water are increasing and some sources of drinking water can no longer be used.
Introduce targeted regulations to reduce harmful pollutants in water
- By 2007, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Environment Agency, in partnership with the sheep industry, fisheries and conservation organisations, must publish a timetable for the withdrawal of all sheep dips.
- By 2009, Defra should ban the use of phosphates in detergents, soaps and shampoos.
- By 2012, Defra must introduce a single programme of regulations covering agricultural nutrients, pesticides and soil erosion.
- By 2012, the Government must introduce a package of measures to address the damaging effects of endocrine disruptors on fish.
Case Study
Would you swim in this?
Algal scum on polluted water
