A significant reduction was recorded in pesticide levels in public drinking water supplies in Co Donegal in 2022.
In 2021 the utility detected 3 exceedances for MCPA and Bentazone as part of its ongoing monitoring, however, this had reduced to zero in 2022.
Uisce Éireann is urging domestic gardeners, farmers, grounds keepers and other users of pesticide products to consider the environment and whether pesticide use is necessary in the first instance.
MCPA is still the most commonly detected pesticide in drinking water sources and is present in many commonly used herbicide products used to control thistles, docks and rushes. However it often ends up in drinking water supplies.
Thomas Gibbons, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “In Co Donegal, there have been no exceedances for pesticides in the past year which is good news.
“While our consultation with the HSE has concluded that the levels we are detecting do not represent a threat to public health, they are still however undesirable in drinking water and it is therefore imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when using herbicides or pesticides and seek out alternatives.”
