Protecting drinking water from contamination
Drinking water and pesticides
Pesticides have the potential to contaminate drinking water supplies. They are applied to farmlands, gardens and lawns and can make their way into ground water or surface water systems that feed drinking water supplies.
Whether these contaminations pose as health risk depends on how toxic the pesticides are, how much is in the water and how much exposure occurs on a daily basis.
Further information
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the following leaflets:
- Advice for farmers and other professional users
- Herbicide use in grassland (including MCPA)
- Advice for gardeners and household users [PDF, 786KB]
Private wells
Do you have your own private well? The EPA have information on protecting your well from contamination.
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