Pesticide warning on threat to water supplies

FARMERS, greenkeepers, groundkeepers, gardeners and domestic users have been asked to ‘think twice’ before using weed control pesticides that have shown up in drinking water supplies at two sources in Co. Galway.

According to a statement released by Irish Water, nine ‘exceedances’ of a common pesticide used to control weeds like thistles, docks and rushes were found during 2019 and 2020 in two water sources – the river Suck in Ballinasloe and the Tully River in the Tullycross area of Connemara.

Irish Water said that while the levels of the pesticides present did not represent a threat to public health ‘it was however undesirable’ – and highlighted the importance of best practice when using herbicides ‘and in seeking out alternatives’.

The pesticides detected in the water supplies were what could be termed ‘common weedkillers’ – MCPA, glyphosate and 2,4-D – and were found in the two rivers which are considered to be ‘vulnerable to run-off from land’.

“We would ask people such as farmers, greenkeepers, groundkeepers and domestic users to consider in each case whether they need to use pesticides at all.

“Minimising pesticide use not only helps to protect water quality but also has wider environmental benefits. For example, leaving areas unsprayed can help native flowering plant species to grow and support a range of insects including bees and other native pollinators,” Irish Water stated.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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