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

1. 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.
   
2. By 2009, Defra should ban the use of phosphates in detergents, soaps and shampoos.
   
3. By 2012, Defra must introduce a single programme of regulations covering agricultural nutrients, pesticides and soil erosion.
   
4. By 2012, the Government must introduce a package of measures to address the damaging effects of endocrine disruptors on fish.