The popular rush spray MCPA was found to breach the allowable limit in drinking water supplies 63 times last year, provisional figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show.Since 2015, MCPA breaches in drinking water supplies have fallen from 85% to 75%.
The popular rush spray MCPA was found to breach the allowable limit in drinking water supplies 63 times last year, provisional figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show.
Since 2015, MCPA breaches in drinking water supplies have fallen from 85% to 75%.
In 2018, pesticides were found to exceed the allowable limits in drinking water supplies 84 times, with MCPA accounting for 75% of these breaches.
The total number of breaches is down on 2017, when there were 150. This could mean that the clampdown on pesticide use is yielding water quality improvements. The pesticide 2,4-D was found five times and it was followed by bentazone (four), glyphosate (three) and fluroxypr (two).
Inspections
In March of last year, the Department of Agriculture wrote to 2,254 farmers in areas where MCPA had been found in drinking water supplies.
The letter warned farmers that the Department is monitoring residue levels in watercourses in their areas and if the situation doesn’t improve, further action will be taken.
Where non-compliance is found, the Department warned that farmers may face sanctions under cross-compliance and Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD).
Legal limit
The legal limit for MCPA in drinking water is one part per billion – the equivalent of one drop in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
The EPA has previously said that the legal limit is well below the levels which would affect human health.
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