The number of pesticide breaches detected in public water supplies has increased by 86% compared with the same period last year. Irish Water found 15 breaches of pesticide limits up to 22 May this year, compared to just two breaches in the same period last year. It said that 2018 had been an exceptionally low year for pesticide exceedances but pointed out that MCPA, the commonly used spray for rushes, accounted for 75% of all breaches last year.
The number of pesticide breaches detected in public water supplies has increased by 86% compared with the same period last year.
Irish Water found 15 breaches of pesticide limits up to 22 May this year, compared to just two breaches in the same period last year. It said that 2018 had been an exceptionally low year for pesticide exceedances but pointed out that MCPA, the commonly used spray for rushes, accounted for 75% of all breaches last year.
MCPA is again topping the list of pesticide breaches this year, with seven breaches to date.
This is followed by four cases of 2,4-D, which is used on grassland weeds; and three cases of bentazone; which is used to spray beans and glyphosate.
The pesticide breaches per area are shown in Table 1.
The quality of water in rivers has been highlighted as a key issue for the renewal of Ireland’s nitrates derogation, which allows farmers to be stocked at a higher level.
There are 37 open files being investigated by Environment Protection Authority (EPA). This is a 32% reduction in open files compared to the same time last year.
Priority
Seven of the cases have been in areas classified as “priority supplies for action” by the EPA.
These areas include Lough Forbes (Longford), River Nore (Kilkenny), River Feale (Abbeyfeale, Limerick), River Deel (Newcastlewest, Limerick), Lough Acanon (Cavan), River Erne (Cavan) and groundwater in Clonroche, Wexford.
“What is becoming apparent is that some supplies continue to have persistent issues with pesticide detections and/or exceedances,” Irish Water said.
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