PESTICIDE RESIDUES in surface water and groundwater are
declining significantly, according to latest Environment Agency
figures*.
During 2004 there was a 19% reduction in the number of surface
water samples exceeding the 0.1 parts per billion standard for
drinking water compared to the average for 1998-2002. In 2003,
there was an 18% reduction, the figures showed.
Similar improvements have been detected in groundwater and the
vast majority of samples are below the 0.1ppb limit, the EA
said.
The improvement may be due to the phasing out of problem
pesticides and to industry, farmers and the public improving how
they use and dispose of pesticides, the EA suggests.
The findings were welcomed by the Voluntary Initiative’s Patrick
Goldsworthy, who said it was even more pleasing given the wet
weather in autumn 2004, which could have seen more pesticides
washed into watercourses.
“In these circumstances it is an excellent result and reflects
the efforts of all agronomists, trainers and operators who have
supported the [Voluntary Initiative] H2OK? campaign.”
But he urges growers and sprayer operators to make sure they
continue applying best practice to pesticide use.
“There are still many pesticide users – especially occasional
users and local governments – who can and must do more to ensure
pesticide levels in water sources are minimised.”
Information on minimising the environmental impacts of
pesticides can be found at
www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk
*The EA has changed its methodology for assessing pesticides in
surface water – under the old system there was a 23% cut in the
number of samples exceeding 0.1ppb in 2003, compared with the
average for 1998-2002. The 2005 results are expected in
September.
