Farmers must follow the guidelines when applying pesticides to lands, the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG) and Irish Water have said.
The statement was made following the detection of glyphosate in drinking water sources in Co Waterford.
Exceedances for the pesticide glyphosate were noted in the Villierstown supply in December. There is no threat to public health.
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A single drop of pesticide can breach the drinking water limit in a small stream for up to 30km.
“The continued engagement of all stakeholders, working in partnership, is needed to tackle this issue,” chair of NPDWAG Dr Aidan Moody commented.
"Users of pesticides should make sure that they are aware of the best practice measures that should be followed to protect water quality."
Drinking water monitoring results for Ireland show that a number of pesticides commonly used, such as Bentazone, MCPP, Clopyralid and Fluroxypyr, are being detected more frequently.
The highest incidences of pesticide exceedances encountered in Ireland’s drinking water is MCPA, a commonly used herbicide present in many products used to control thistle, dock and rush.
Correct use of MCPA
Irish Water, working in partnership with the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group, would like to remind farmers and professional users of pesticides to follow best practice in the application of pesticides on land, particularly near lakes and rivers used as drinking water sources.
The basic steps in reducing pesticide risks are:
Choose the right pesticide product.
Read and follow the product label.
Determine the right amount to purchase and use.
Don’t spray if rain or strong wind is forecast in the next 48 hours.
Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby water courses.
Comply with any buffer zone specified on the product label to protect the aquatic environment. Mark out the specified buffer zone from the edge of the river or lake or other water course.
Never fill a sprayer directly from a water course or carry out mixing, loading or other handling operations beside a water course.
Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains and rinse empty containers three times into the sprayer.
Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly.
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Farmers must follow the guidelines when applying pesticides to lands, the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG) and Irish Water have said.
The statement was made following the detection of glyphosate in drinking water sources in Co Waterford.
Exceedances for the pesticide glyphosate were noted in the Villierstown supply in December. There is no threat to public health.
A single drop of pesticide can breach the drinking water limit in a small stream for up to 30km.
“The continued engagement of all stakeholders, working in partnership, is needed to tackle this issue,” chair of NPDWAG Dr Aidan Moody commented.
"Users of pesticides should make sure that they are aware of the best practice measures that should be followed to protect water quality."
Drinking water monitoring results for Ireland show that a number of pesticides commonly used, such as Bentazone, MCPP, Clopyralid and Fluroxypyr, are being detected more frequently.
The highest incidences of pesticide exceedances encountered in Ireland’s drinking water is MCPA, a commonly used herbicide present in many products used to control thistle, dock and rush.
Correct use of MCPA
Irish Water, working in partnership with the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group, would like to remind farmers and professional users of pesticides to follow best practice in the application of pesticides on land, particularly near lakes and rivers used as drinking water sources.
The basic steps in reducing pesticide risks are:
Choose the right pesticide product.
Read and follow the product label.
Determine the right amount to purchase and use.
Don’t spray if rain or strong wind is forecast in the next 48 hours.
Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby water courses.
Comply with any buffer zone specified on the product label to protect the aquatic environment. Mark out the specified buffer zone from the edge of the river or lake or other water course.
Never fill a sprayer directly from a water course or carry out mixing, loading or other handling operations beside a water course.
Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains and rinse empty containers three times into the sprayer.
Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly.
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