Wiltshire farmer fined £9000 over contaminated water supply

A Wiltshire farmer has been fined £9000 for providing unsafe drinking water to residents.

Wiltshire Council took the case to court at Salisbury Magistrates to prosecute farmer David Hobbs for refusing to comply with health regulations.

Water storage tanks lacked vermin proof lids and bacteria was contaminating the water.

Jerry Wickham, Wiltshire Council cabinet member said their priority was always to protect the health and wellbeing of residents and was 'pleased' appropriate action was taken.

"We take incidents of this nature very seriously. Our priority is always to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and we address any risks which may compromise that. I’m pleased the appropriate action has been taken. This case highlights how important it is to keep private water supplies clean and the need to inspect the supply regularly," he told the Wiltshire Times.

The council said it will continue to monitor the water supply to ensure it is safe to drink.