Pesticide exceedances on the rise in Limerick

EXCEEDANCES in pesticides are on the increase across County Limerick, says Irish Water.

During 2018 there were four in Abbeyfeale, three in Foynes / Shannon Estuary and one in the Newcastle West public water supplies.

“While there is no threat to public health, it is imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when spraying their lands. 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 ensure that best practice measures to protect drinking water quality are always followed,” said a spokesperson.

Deirdre O’Loughlin, 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%) 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.”