Pesticide levels in Ireland's drinking water tops permitted levels

Irish Water has warned that pesticide concentrations in drinking water are above permitted levels throughout the country.

The company has reported that six catchment areas are “of particular concern where exceedances of pesticides are persistent.” And it said there was a separate watch list of more than over 20 supplies currently, which is “a focus for targeted actions, since the pattern of detections in these areas indicates a risk of persistent pesticide exceedances.”

The state-owned company has issued guidance to users of pesticides including the farmers and domestic users, to ensure that best practice.