Call for pesticide users in Kildare to exercise caution around drinking water sources

Pesticide users in County Kildare are being called upon by two water-centred organisations to help protect drinking water sources.

Uisce Éireann (UE) and the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG) both released the call yesterday (September 8 last), just as the spraying season draws to a close.

According to a spokesperson for UE, since 2017, the number of pesticide exceedances detected in public drinking water supplies has dropped by more than 50 per cent. However, the spokesperson also warned that recent monitoring "shows there is still work to be done". 

A spokesperson for the NPDWAG also said: "Given the current good weather, some users might be considering if there could be a suitable opportunity to spray grassland or amenity areas to manage rushes and weeds such as docks, thistles, and nettles.

"The NPDWAG reminds users that application of chemical pesticide products should only be considered for situations where their use is strictly necessary and following a full consideration of the potential to use non-chemical control methods."

They added: "In cases where the use of chemical products has been deemed necessary, great care must be taken to protect surface water and groundwater bodies, and product label directions and best-practice guidelines for responsible use must be followed."

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RISK

Dr Pat O’Sullivan, the drinking water compliance senior manager at UE, warns: "Last year, we saw a worrying number of pesticide detections occurring outside the main spraying season for MCPA [a type of herbicide].

"While this has not yet happened in 2025, the risk of it repeating itself remains high.

"We are urging all pesticide users to be mindful of their use as the spraying season comes to a close, so that we can avoid late-season exceedances again this year; even one drop of pesticide can travel up to 30km in a watercourse, so every action counts."

In addition, Dr Aidan Moody, chair of the NPDWAG, said: "We have seen excellent work by farmers and land managers in recent years to reduce pesticide use and to follow correct application methods.

"We urge everyone to continue the great work and always consider whether a pesticide is needed at all, and where it is, to make sure that best practices are followed."

Dr Moody concluded: "This approach not only protects our drinking water but also supports biodiversity and healthy ecosystems."

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GENERAL ADVICE

Pesticide users should also note that a closed spray period is specified on the label of some products, during which product use is not allowed.

For example, herbicide products containing MCPA must not be used between the end of September (or the end of October depending on the specific product) and the beginning of March. 

This is because late season applications, combined with wetter autumn and winter conditions, increase the risk of pesticides reaching drinking water sources.

More information can be obtained at www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/waterprotection. 

Lastly, both the UE and the NPDWAG also issued the following points of simple advice for all pesticide users: 

• Only use pesticides when necessary and after considering all alternative control methods
• Always read and follow the product label
• MCPA products are not allowed to be used from the end of September (or the end of October depending on the particular product) to the beginning of March
• DO NOT use pesticides if rain is forecast in the next 48 hours
• Keep well clear of watercourses, drains, wells and springs, and observe the correct no-spray buffer zones
• Avoid spills, never fill, or wash sprayers beside drains or on concrete where runoff can occur, and triple-rinse containers into the sprayer
• Dispose of unused product and containers safely

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