Improved indicators for pesticides residues in surface water show significant decline

The Environment Agency has improved its methodology for assessing pesticides in surface water. Latest results for 2004 show a 19% reduction in the number of samples exceeding 0.1 parts per billion compared to the average for 1998-2002. The new methodology confirmed there had been an 18% reduction in 2003.

The news has been welcomed by the Voluntary Initiative which has set reductions in pesticide residues in surface water as one of its key targets.

“The performance in 2004 is particularly encouraging given how wet the autumn was,” said Patrick Goldsworthy, the Crop Protection Association’s VI Manager. “The weather conditions meant more pesticides could have been washed into watercourses.

“In these circumstances it is an excellent result and reflects the efforts of all the agronomists, trainers and operators who have supported the H2OK? Campaign.”

There are similar signs of improvement in levels of pesticides detected in groundwater. The EA reports that “the vast majority of groundwater sample concentrations are below the 0.1ppb limit.” The Agency states that the improvements may be due to:

- People using pesticides that are kinder to the environment combined with phasing out pesticides that have caused environmental problems in the past.

- Industry, farmers and the public improving how they use and dispose of pesticides, with help from legislative changes.

However, there can be no easing up on the efforts to continue to apply best practice in pesticide use, according to the VI.

“A lot of hard work has gone into achieving this result. However, 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,” said Mr Goldsworthy.