Local water supplies added to remedial list

 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added the Cavan and Belturbet water supplies to their Remedial Action List (RAL) due to persistent exceedances in pesticides in both of these water supply zones.

Exceedances in pesticides have been detected in several drinking water sources in Co Cavan and as a result Irish Water working in partnership with the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG) is appealing to farmers and other users of pesticides to follow the guidelines when applying these substances to their lands.

Six different supplies in Co Cavan have seen the herbicide MCPA detected over the past two years, albeit mostly at very low levels. MCPA is used mainly for eradicating rushes, a problem for many years on Irish farms and one that looks like continuing for many more years. It is also found in other weed killer formulations used by gardeners and growers, so its use is quite widespread.

The Co Cavan detections were in Belturbet Public Water Supply, Cavan Regional Water Supply Scheme, Ballyjamesduff Regional Water Supply Scheme, Killeshandra Public Water Supply, Arvagh Public Water Supply and Gowna.

The RAL is a ‘to do’ list collated by the EPA of water supplies which are in need of upgrade works or other necessary action to ensure they meet all Drinking Water Regulations.

While Irish Water there is no threat to public health, it is imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when spraying their lands.

Commenting ahead of the 2019 spraying season, Dr Pat O’Sullivan, Irish Water’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “Irish Water is continuing its extensive investment programme to improve water and wastewater services in Ireland. Providing safe, clean drinking water for all is our first priority.

In Ireland, the majority (82 per cent) of drinking water supplies come from surface water sources (water from rivers, lakes and streams). Such supplies are vulnerable to contamination from land and animal run-off.

“Drinking water monitoring results for Ireland show that a number of pesticides commonly used on grassland, such as MCPA, are being detected more frequently,” he said.