Pesticide users urged to protect water supplies
As the pesticide spraying window closes, authorities stress the importance of continued care to safeguard drinking water. Recent efforts in Ireland have halved pesticide detections, but vigilance remains crucial during wetter autumn months to prevent contamination.
Source:
Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) News
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⏱️ 2 min read
The National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG) is calling on all pesticide users to remain cautious as the spraying season draws to a close. Even a single drop of pesticide can contaminate drinking water sources, which serve local communities relying on safe supplies.
Since its establishment in 2017, NPDWAG has contributed to a significant reduction of over 50% in pesticide exceedances in Ireland’s drinking water. This improvement reflects the positive outcomes of increased awareness, local cooperation, and responsible pesticide application. However, the risk persists, particularly in autumn when wetter conditions can facilitate pesticide runoff into rivers and streams.
Dr Aidan Moody from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Chair of NPDWAG, praised the efforts of farmers and land managers to adopt best practices. He emphasised the importance of questioning pesticide necessity and adhering strictly to application guidelines to protect biodiversity and ecosystems alongside water quality. Dr Patrick O'Sullivan from Uisce Éireann reinforced this message, highlighting that exceedances can occur outside peak spraying periods, especially during autumn. Users are advised to follow product labels, observe buffer zones near watercourses, avoid spills, and consider weather forecasts, particularly rainfall within 48 hours. Additionally, some products, such as herbicides containing MCPA, have a closed spray period from late September or October until March to reduce contamination risks. For further guidance, pesticide users can consult local farm advisors or access resources from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Since its establishment in 2017, NPDWAG has contributed to a significant reduction of over 50% in pesticide exceedances in Ireland’s drinking water. This improvement reflects the positive outcomes of increased awareness, local cooperation, and responsible pesticide application. However, the risk persists, particularly in autumn when wetter conditions can facilitate pesticide runoff into rivers and streams.
Dr Aidan Moody from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Chair of NPDWAG, praised the efforts of farmers and land managers to adopt best practices. He emphasised the importance of questioning pesticide necessity and adhering strictly to application guidelines to protect biodiversity and ecosystems alongside water quality. Dr Patrick O'Sullivan from Uisce Éireann reinforced this message, highlighting that exceedances can occur outside peak spraying periods, especially during autumn. Users are advised to follow product labels, observe buffer zones near watercourses, avoid spills, and consider weather forecasts, particularly rainfall within 48 hours. Additionally, some products, such as herbicides containing MCPA, have a closed spray period from late September or October until March to reduce contamination risks. For further guidance, pesticide users can consult local farm advisors or access resources from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
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