Water supply test results lead to alert over pesticides

FARMERS across Co Wexford have been warned to be mindful when spraying pesticides after chemicals commonly used as weed killer was detected in the water supply at Clonroche in March, April and November.

When the tests were carried out, exceedances for the pesticide Bentazone were noted in the Clonroche supply, while exceedances for MCPP, Clopyralid and Fluroxypyr were noted in the South Regional supply in May and September.

While Irish Water have moved to assure the public that there is no significant health danger, working in partnership with the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG), they have stated that it’s imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when spraying their lands.

Dr Aidan Moody, Chair of NPDWAG stated: ‘The continued engagement of all stakeholders, working in partnership, is needed to tackle this issue. Users of pesticides should make sure that they are aware of the best practice measures that should be followed to protect water quality.’