Public urged to continue to consider the environment and alternatives to pesticides when gardening, farming and maintaining sports grounds 

 Issued Thursday, 28 April 2022 – Three exceedances of the pesticide 2,4-D and MCPA were detected in the public drinking water supplies in Emyvale, Glaslough and Lough Egish Regional Water Supply Scheme (LERWSS) in 2021. These exceedances were detected as part of Irish Water’s public water supply monitoring programme. MCPA is still the most commonly detected pesticide in drinking water sources and is present in many commonly used herbicide products used to control thistles, docks and rushes.

There was a reduction in the number of exceedances for pesticides in public drinking water supplies in Monaghan last year, according to Irish Water. In 2020 the utility detected five exceedances for MCPA as part of its ongoing monitoring, however, this had reduced to three exceedances for 2,4-D and MCPA in 2021.

The Emyvale, Glaslough and LERWSS water supplies abstracts raw water from Emy Lough and Lough Bawn, both of which are vulnerable to runoff from land. Irish Water is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products to continue to consider the vulnerability of their local drinking water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of these supplies to local homes and businesses in the community.

Irish Water, working in partnership with a range of organisations involved in the NPDWAG, is asking the farming community, greens keepers, grounds keepers, and also domestic users of pesticides, to consider in each case whether they need to use pesticides at all. Minimising pesticide use not only helps to protect water quality but also has wider environmental benefits. For example, leaving areas unsprayed can help native flowering plant species to grow and support a range of insects including bees and other vital pollinators. One third of Ireland’s bee species are threatened with extinction and by helping the bee population survive and thrive we are also helping to protect our precious water sources. For more information on practical ways to help bees and other pollinators, check out the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan at www.pollinators.ie. Farmers should also bear in mind that application of herbicides reduces sward species diversity and could negatively impact on payments in future agri-environmental schemes.

Where pesticide use is considered necessary, the NPDWAG is working with local communities to ensure that best practice measures to protect drinking water sources and biodiversity are always followed. Farmers and other landholders dealing with the challenge of rushes should note Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) guidance on the sustainable management of rushes. This approach is based on the concepts of containment or suppression, and aims to minimise the use of pesticides. More information on this can be obtained from your local farm advisor or on www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/waterprotection

The NPDWAG is chaired by the DAFM and involves key stakeholders from a range of Government departments and agencies, local authorities, industry representative bodies, farming organisation, water sector organisations and amenity sector organisations.

Dr Pat O’Sullivan, Irish Water’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “In Co Monaghan, the exceedances of the drinking water regulations for 2,4-D and MCPA were noted in the Emyvale, Glaslough and LERWSS public water supplies following routine sampling. While our consultation with the HSE has concluded that the levels we are detecting do not represent a threat to public health, they are still however undesirable in drinking water and it is therefore imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when using herbicides or pesticides and seek out alternatives.”

Adding to this, Dr Aidan Moody, DAFM and Chair of NPDWAG commented: “We need the continued engagement of all stakeholders, working in partnership, make further progress. Users of pesticides must always consider alternatives in the first instance and if the application of pesticides is considered essential make sure that they follow best practice measures to protect water quality.”

If pesticides have to be used, the basic steps to reduce risks to drinking water sources and the aquatic environment are:

• Choose the right pesticide product (note that products containing MCPA are NOT approved for use in weed-wipers, and are not permitted to be used from the end of September until the beginning of March)
• Read and follow the product label
• Determine the right amount to purchase and use
• Don’t use pesticides if rain is forecast in the next 48 hours
• Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby water courses
• Comply with any buffer zone specified on the product label to protect the aquatic environment. Mark out the specified buffer zone from the edge of the river or lake or other water course and drainage ditches
• Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains and rinse empty containers 3 times into the sprayer.
• Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly. 
• Never fill a sprayer directly from a water course or carry out mixing, loading or other handling operations beside a water course

 Further guidance:

• A video on the best practice use and application of products containing MCPA can be viewed on Irish Water’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/xQqtZ7jifUs
• Information leaflets on pesticide use are also available to download from the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/farming-for-water-quality-assap/improving-my-water-quality/protecting-drinking-water-from-pesticides/
• A guide providing 10 easy steps towards responsible pesticide use in public and amenity and garden areas is available at www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/media/pesticides/content/sud/ResponsiblePesticideUsePublicAmenityGardenAreas200217.pdf

 

Spring brings new beginnings and an improved water supply for Newbliss

Friday, 29 April 2022

The evenings are getting longer, the days are getting warmer and Newbliss can also look forward to an improved water supply this summer.

Old water mains along the Ballybay Road will be replaced in the coming weeks and the works will not only ensure a more reliable water supply but reduce high leakage levels and improve water quality.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Monaghan County Council, will replace 2.4km of ageing mains on the R183 with new modern pipework.

Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Declan Cawley is looking forward to seeing Farrans Construction, the contractor carrying out the work on behalf of Irish Water, get to site.

“When the works are completed in August there will be an immediate positive impact for customers with an improvement in the water quality and supply due to reduced leakage rates and unplanned outages when bursts occur. Following extensive engagement with Monaghan County Council Roads Department these network rehabilitation works will be completed in advance of Monaghan County Council carrying out road overlay works on the R183 in Autumn 2022.

“Irish Water invested in the replacement of ageing mains in Monaghan over the last number of years and we’re investing further this year. Securing water supply in Co Monaghan remains a vital focus for Irish Water and these essential works will help strengthen and reinforce the water network”.

Since 2018 Irish Water has invested more than €500million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the Leakage Reduction Programme. We’re now investing a further €250million each year up to the end of 2030 to fix leaks and provide a more reliable water supply.

In order to minimise the impact to the people of Newbliss, areas of work will be limited to short sections and local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. To facilitate the safe delivery of works, traffic management will be in place, with a lane closure along the Ballybay Road. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

The works may involve some short-term supply interruptions, but the project team will ensure customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.

“We understand this type of work can be inconvenient. Crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause. The mains rehabilitation works on the Clones Road section in Newbliss are also progressing well and due for completion by the end of May” explains Declan.

Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making great progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2021 it was 38% and now we are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 32% by the end of 2024.

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

 

New conservation calculator for households to track and improve water usage 

Monday, 9 May 2022: Research commissioned by Irish Water shows that over half of Irish households (53%) admit to wasting water, even though some eight in ten (78%) know it is important to take steps to conserve it. The research released today coincides with the launch of Irish Water’s new, Conservation Calculator, which will assist households across the country to assess their water usage habits and find out how much water they are saving on a daily basis. It also offers useful and practical tips on how to reduce water usage and track their progress.  The free tool was developed in response to research which shows consumers want additional tools to assist them conserve water and is available at www.water.ie/calculator

 The research also highlights that less than one in five respondents report actively conserving water in their homes.  However, almost two in five (40%) reveal that they are interested in future planned water services initiatives. This new Conservation Calculator was developed in response to this interest and will arm households nationwide to understand more readily how they use water in their home which can lead to better water conservation actions.

By answering just a few short questions about water usage habits, households of all sizes can calculate how much water they are currently saving, and what they could do to save even more. The average water use of one person is 133 litres per day, and results from the calculator are based on the water use of typical households of similar sizes.  The Conservation Calculator provides helpful advice for those wanting to ensure they use water responsibly to improve their score rating. Simple water saving tips include:

• Keep a jug of water in the fridge rather than letting the tap run cold and save six litres a day
• Making sure the tap is off while brushing teeth can save 84 litres of water a week
• Reducing shower time by 60 seconds can save up to 120 litres of water every week
• 250 litres of water a week can be saved by fixing any leaking or dripping taps in the garden
• Ensure washing machines and dishwashers are full before running

In addition, Irish Water is also continuing its First Fix Free programme which helps households that may be using higher level of water than average, which could signal a potential leakage problem.  Together with the homeowner the Irish Water team will investigate the cause of the leak and fix the issue to curtail any further potential leaks. This is in line with Irish Water’s collaborative approach to water conservation where all working together can safeguard our precious water resources now and for the future.

Speaking at the launch, Anthony Skeffington, Irish Water’s Regional Operations Manager said: “As we move into the summer months it’s important to that we all consider our water usage and look at simple yet impactful ways to conserve water in the home. It can sometimes be difficult to know where to start, but even small changes can make a significant difference – and we can all play our part. Taking shorter showers, only running a washing machine and dishwasher with full loads, and even turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, are just some of the simple steps we can all take today to conserve water and safeguard our precious water resources.

“Our new calculator is designed for everyone to use – and school going children will, we think, particularly like examining their water usage at home. It offers practical advice on conserving water, to ensure we have a sustainable water supply for everyone in years to come. We are encouraging everyone to play their part with us and think water conservation”.

“We understand that historic network leakage continues to be a challenge and we are working hard with all relevant stakeholders and are on track to achieve a national leakage rate below 20% in Dublin and 25% nationally by 2030 – that’s down from 46% leakage in 2018. Over 2,000 leaks are fixed every month by our team and local authority partners, and 166 million litres of water was saved daily during 2021 alone. Working together, we can all take steps to ensure our water is safeguarded for future generations.”

Each day in Ireland, 1.7 billion litres of water travels through a network that includes 63,000km of pipes to supply treated drinking water to homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and farms nationwide. The treatment process is a lengthy and complex one with up to seven stages that can take up to three days to make raw water suitable to drink.

The Conservation Calculator is available at www.water.ie/calculator

WATER SAVING TIPS

At Home:

• Take a shorter shower
• Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home
• When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute
• Avoid using paddling pools
• If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
• Report any external leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278. No leak fixes itself and every leak gets progressively worse. The escaping water can weaken the ground or cause slippery footpaths and roads. The leaking water reduces the supply pressure for adjacent properties. What looks like a small leak at the surface can be using the equivalent to 20-30 households.

In the garden:

• Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden
• In the garden use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots
• Consider installing a water butt to collect rainwater – this can then be used for watering the garden during dry weather
• Do your watering in the evening, when it won’t evaporate
• Pots and containers need lots of water to prevent drying out, so plant directly into the ground as much as possible
• Another good tip is to add a layer of plant material, like bark, to your flower bed to prevent evaporation and reduce the need for watering

At Work

• Irish Water, as one of the leading water utilities in this space, has a first-of-its-kind dedicated water stewardship programme where we work with businesses to help them understand and reduce their water use. Find out more at water.ie/businessconserve with advice for a range of industries including hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture and small businesses.

More information on water conservation can be found at https://www.water.ie/conservation/

More information on the Leakage Reduction Programme can be found at https://www.water.ie/projects-plans/national-projects/leakage-reduction-programme/

Irish Water is currently finalising a National Water Resources Plan to identify how we will provide a sustainable, secure and reliable water supply to our customers for now and into the future whilst safeguarding the environment. The plan will set out how we will balance the supply and demand for drinking water over the short, medium and long term. It is a 25 year strategy to ensure we have a sustainable, secure and reliable drinking water supply for everyone. https://www.water.ie/projects-plans/our-plans/nwrp/

 

Public Alert:

Mains Flushing in Derryvalley (Ballybay) and surrounding area

Irish Water and Monaghan County Council

Monaghan County Council on behalf of Irish Water wish to advise customers that Water Mains Flushing (Scouring) will take place from Tuesday 03^rd May 2022 to Friday 20^th May 2022 in the Derryvally and surrounding area of the Lough Egish Regional Water Supply Scheme.

The following townlands will be affected: Drumfaldra, Corwillin, Drumhillagh, Bowelk, Cumry, Keenogbane, Keenogduff, Balladian, Derryvally, Corfad, Monantin, Shantonagh, Drummuck, Edenaneane, Lisgorran, Drumskelt, Lisgillan, Cordevlis, Corryhagan, Maghernaharny and Mullanagore.

Mains flushing is undertaken to improve the quality of water supplied to our customers. Customers in areas where flushing will take place will notice a temporary discolouration to their water but this discolouration will clear when allowed to run for a few minutes.

Customers may also experience reduced pressure and interruptions to their supply for the duration of these works.

We regret any inconvenience caused.

Signed:          

 

Peadar Mc Guinness

Head of Water Services

28^th April 2022