NI Water is urging farmers, land managers, contractors and householders to take added care when applying plant protection products to control rushes and weeds in late summer, a period when spraying is frequently undertaken.

Even small drips or spills during mixing, application or disposal of chemicals — as well as when washing down equipment in the yard — can rapidly enter drains, streams, rivers and lakes, especially after heavy rain. Many of these watercourses are used by NI Water as raw water sources before being treated for public supply.

By following straightforward precautions, users can help minimise the amount of plant protection product reaching the water environment, safeguard local wildlife and support the continued delivery of safe, high‑quality drinking water.

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NI Water Catchment Manager Roy Taylor said: "Our monitoring shows that MCPA is commonly detected in watercourses during the application season, particularly in April/May and often again in September. This is the time of year when many farmers are treating rushes and weeds in grassland, and when householders may also be using products to control weeds in gardens.

"Many of these products contain MCPA, a broadleaf herbicide which remains one of the main challenges for protecting raw water quality in Northern Ireland. Because MCPA is highly soluble and can remain in surface water for a long time, it is difficult and costly to remove at the water treatment stage.

"NI Water works hard to remove substances such as MCPA to meet drinking water standards and provide safe, wholesome drinking water for customers. However, the best outcome for everyone is to prevent these products entering rivers and lakes in the first place.

"MCPA loss from land also represents wasted product and a financial loss to farm businesses. It can also pose a risk to the water environment and to the plants and animals that depend on it. We all have a part to play in protecting our precious drinking water resources."

NI Water is part of The Water Catchment Partnership, which brings together the Ulster Farmers’ Union, DAERA, CAFRE, NI Water, ABC District Council, Translink and the Voluntary Initiative to address pesticide pollution in raw water. Since 2013, the partnership has promoted best practice in pesticide use, with a particular emphasis on reducing MCPA levels in local watercourses.