Mayo drinking water sources threatened by misuse of common garden pesticides
MAYO County Council is urging careful and cautious use of pesticides as the number of incidents of misuse of weedkillers and other pesticides has increased in recent months.
Pesticides used commonly in gardens and around the house include weedkillers, insecticides, fungicides, rodent poisons, and slug pellets. While these products are licenced for use and are available to purchase by householders and gardeners without the need for prior training, users are encouraged to be fully aware of the consequences of misuse, and in particular, the threat to Mayo’s drinking water sources.
It is essential to take great care when storing, handling and using any pesticide as even a trace amount going down a drain or entering a watercourse can end up in drinking water. A single drop of herbicide can breach the drinking water limit in a small stream for 30km.
Sharon Cameron, environment awareness officer with Mayo County Council, explains why she feels the problem of misuse of pesticides has increased recently.
“Unfortunately we are seeing incidences of weedkillers being used at the edge of river banks which is a real concern to our environmental officers, but incorrect use of pesticides in gardens is also of concern as they have huge potential to cause pollution to water bodies, including drinking water sources.
“We feel with many people spending more time in the garden in recent times that they are using more chemicals to tackle jobs such as removing weeds from driveways and patios and also with more planting being done, people often turn to chemical means of getting rid of common garden pests.
“Mayo County Council encourage correct use of all pesticides and to choose a more natural suitable alternative when at all possible. The best solution is to increase the level of biodiversity in the garden and by restoring the natural balance there will be less need for pesticides.”
The main problems occur when products are used in the wrong way. This can occur by using too much of the pesticide for the job in hand or using products in windy weather which leads to the spray drifting away and causing pollution in another area.
Use of pesticides in wet weather or when rain is forecast leads to run off of the chemicals which can pollute ground water and enter streams, lakes and rivers. And incorrect storage of chemicals can lead to spillages, as can incorrect disposal of unused products and empty containers.
Mayo County Council encourage the following precautions when dealing with weeds and garden pests:
* Certain levels of weeds and insects are important to the natural environment. By ceasing the use of pesticides in your garden, the natural biodiversity will increase with many species acting as natural predators to common garden pests.
* Use products that are based on natural ingredients or make up your own natural solutions using simple ingredients like garlic. Visit https://www.mywaste.ie/your-greener-living-guides/ or contact Mayo County Council’s Environment Department for a free copy of the Greener Gardening Guide.
* Follow guidance on label of pesticides carefully.
* Store all pesticides correctly and triple rinse containers using washings on the area you are treating when finished with product.
* Bring unused/expired pesticides to Mayo County Council’s civic amenity centres – never pour down sinks or drains.
* Strict buffer zones exist near drinking water sources where pesticides are not permitted for use and pesticides should only be used at a distance of at least 10 metres and preferably 50 metres away from any waterbody including ones that are currently dried out.
For further information on correct use of pesticides please visit https://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/sourceprotectionleaflets/, email environment@mayococo.ie or telephone (094) 9024444.
* Pictured, a wildflower garden, compared to an area where pesticides have been used