Pesticides detected in Limerick drinking water supplies

EXCESS levels of pesticides including MCPA, Mecoprop and 2,4-D were detected in the public drinking water supplies in the Foynes-Shannon Estuary on five occasions last year, it has been revealed.

Uisce Éireann says the exceedances were detected as part of its public water supply monitoring programme. 

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.

There was an increase in the number of exceedances for pesticides in the Foynes/Shannon Estuary public drinking water supply last year compared to 2021, according to the annual report from Uisce Éireann.

In 2021, the utility detected two exceedances for MCPA as part of its ongoing monitoring, however, this increased to five during 2022.

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Four out of eight monthly samples detected exceedances of pesticides (Glyphosate in April; MCPA and 2,4-D in June; 2,4-D in July and MCPA in October).

In contrast to the Foynes/Shannon supply, there was a notable decrease in pesticide exceedances on the Newcastle West water supply - down from three in 2021 to 0 last year.

The Foynes/Shannon Estuary and Newcastle West water supplies abstract raw water from the River Deel which is vulnerable to runoff from land.

Uisce Éireann is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products to continue to consider the vulnerability of their local drinking water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of these supplies to local homes and businesses in the community.

Commenting on the report, Deirdre O’Loughlin, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: "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.”