The transport of highly toxic chemicals in the Huangpu River will be prohibited as of April 1 this year, in a bid to ensure safe drinking water for Shanghai residents.

Offenders will face a penalty of up to 100,000 yuan (US$12,500), according to the city's regulation governing dangerous chemicals that will take effect in April.

The Huangpu River is the main source of water supply for Shanghai.

Chemicals leaked into the river from vessels several times in the past few years, posing threats to the city, although all the accidents were dealt with properly and did not cause major water pollution, an official with the municipal government said.

Shanghai has been putting transportation of dangerous chemicals under tight control. However, there are still loopholes in this respect, said the official.

Vessels must be equipped with GPS (global position system) for the transportation of highly toxic chemicals, the official said, adding that special vehicles are also required to be equipped with GPS for land transportation, the official said.

Dangerous chemicals are not allowed for land transportation in the city between 10 AM and 4 PM during the period from June 15 to October 15, according to the regulation.