The number of public water supplies where pesticides breaches were detected fell last year, according to the latest figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

There has been sustained improvement in pesticide compliance with the number of reported failures halving in the last five years from 61 water supplies in 2015 to 27 last year.

In total, the EPA investigated 31 supplies serving just under 294,300 people in 2019. Four of the supplies monitored recorded no failures.

Michelle Minihan, senior inspector with the EPA, said that while there had been an overall improvement, there were eight supplies which were investigated for persistent pesticide failures.

These supplies were Newport Co Mayo, Belturbet and Cavan rural water supply in Co Cavan, Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West in Co Limerick, Longford Central, Kilkenny City (Troyswood) and Clonroche, Co Wexford.

We want to see all supplies compliant with the requirements of the drinking water regulations

Positively, Kilkenny city (Troyswood) and Abbeyfeale have since been removed from the list having reported no failures in 2019.

Minihan said the improvement followed engagement by Irish Water with stakeholders, including farmers, in the catchment.

“It also has to be said while the pesticide detections were in excess of drinking water limits in the regulation, none of them have been deemed to pose a risk to health,” she said.

“Nevertheless, we want to see all supplies compliant with the requirements of the drinking water regulations.”

The EPA’s drinking water quality report outlined that 63% of breaches were associated with MCPA, a herbicide used to control rushes in grassland.

Minihan explained: “I think it’s related to its use. It’s more widely used across the country and it’s particularly used on rushes on a certain land type in Ireland.”

MCPA is more water soluble than other pesticides, making it more likely to enter water courses if used incorrectly.