A free weed piping scheme has launched in Armagh.

NI Water, in conjunction with the Water Catchment Partnership, said the scheme is aimed at land managers tackling rush weeds in the catchment area of Seagahan Reservoir near Markethill.

The initiative will take place between May and September 2017 and 2018.

Roy Taylor, Catchment Manager at NI Water, said: "At present, extra treatment is required at Seagahan Water Treatment Works as a result of the water quality in the Seagahan Dam. Monitoring of water in the dam has shown high levels of grassland pesticides such as MCPA, which could be from agricultural activity.

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"Final drinking water is always at a high standard and meets all the required water quality standards, but there is a major increase in cost for the extra treatment required to deal with these chemicals.

"This innovative pilot scheme, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, will provide an alternative way of tackling rush weeds without using harmful pesticides. The method we will use is 'weed-wiping' to kill the rushes. The project, which is completely free of charge, will have a Farm Liaison Officer working with farmers and land managers to manage the weed wiping and promote better advice on handling, applying and disposing of grassland sprays, guidance on mechanical control of rushes and improving land condition to addressing the underlying causes of infestations."

The scheme will operate in the Seagahan catchment area in County Armagh.

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2017.

(CD/LM)