Move to avert sheep-dip threat

Moves to stop old sheep dip and solvents reaching "precious" water supplies were announced by the Government yesterday.

Chemicals thrown away on topsoil after use by farmers, or solvents from factories, can seep down into underground aquifers and risk contaminating groundwater. Ministers want to avoid a serious pollution incident and are proposing a new crackdown on the problem.

The changes which are likely to include penalties for people who flout the law, will cover England, Wales and Scotland under the "polluter pays" principle.

A government source said: "Groundwater is a precious resource. It is now clean and it would be very difficult to clean up an aquifer. So there is a very good reason for protecting it".

The plans will go out to consultation over the next three months.