Danger in four Wexford water supplies

By Dan Walsh

Pesticide exceedances have been detected in the public drinking water supply in four water supply areas in Co. Wexford across 2019 and 2020. The exceedance was detected as part of Irish Water’s public water supply monitoring programme.

The Clonroche, Davidstown, South Regional Supply Scheme and Wexford Town water supply were the supply areas that showed exceedances across 2019 and 2020. Irish Water is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products in the River Sow at Edenvale, Coolree Reservoir and the Owenduff River as well as users in the Clonroche and Davidstown catchment to consider the vulnerability of the water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of this supply to the local homes and businesses in the community.

Pat Duggan, Irish Water’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “In Co. Wexford, the exceedance of the drinking water regulations for MCPA, Bentazone, Glyphosate, 2,4-D, Metaldehyde and Triclopyr was dedicated in four drinking water supplies. There were seven detections in 2019 and nine in 2020 across those water supply areas. While our consultation with the HSE has concluded that the levels seen do not represent a threat to public health, it is however undesirable and therefore imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when using herbicides or pesticides and seek out alternatives.”