Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has confirmed that its innovative Weed Wiper campaign will run for a second year after its success in protecting local drinking water sources from grassland herbicides.
During the summer of 2015, the non-for-profit company worked with farmers and land managers to look to other ways to control grassland weeds while minimising the impact on watercourses, such as the River Teifi and Upper River Wye catchment areas. Welsh Water plans to build on the success by continuing the trial in the existing target areas in between April and October 2016.
By continuing to work in partnership with its regulator Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the farming industry, the water company is aiming to use the innovative campaign to reduce levels of the grassland herbicide, MCPA, in these areas. MCPA is a selective herbicide specifically designed to kill weeds without harming crops and is a common ingredient in both agricultural and domestic herbicide products.
MCPA levels breach EU levels and cost more to treat at WTWs
Investigations by the water company in 2013 and 2014 identified that MCPA is widely used for controlling the growth of weeds like the Common Soft Rush, which has flourished following wet weather periods in recent years. Wetter weather puts pressure on land, increasing risk of compaction and creates favourable conditions for rushes to grow. Whilst the levels of MCPA found in these areas pose no threat to drinking water, they breach EU drinking water standards and cost more to treat when they reach Welsh Water’s water treatment works.
The 2016 campaign will continue to work with farmers and land managers to promote best practice advice on handling, applying and disposing of grassland herbicides and guidance on mechanical control of rushes. Other advice will include guidance on tackling the underlying causes of rush growth and improvements land condition which can lead to a long term reduction of rushes. Advice is available online and in an information pack. To date around 200 packs have been issued to famers and land managers across Wales.
Over 60 farmers tried out the alternative method between April and October 2015, weed wiping over 600 hectares/1400 acres, an area roughly the size of 850 rugby pitches. Farmers who have used the machines said they were easy to use and were as effective as other chemical methods in controlling rush and grassland weeds.
Weed wipers use glyphosphate - breaks down quicker than MCPA with less impact on water quality
Weed wipers apply herbicide directly to the plant and dramatically reduces spray drift. Glyphosate is the only licensed chemical to be used in a weed wiper, which unlike MCPA kills weeds to the root. The chemical has potentially less impact on water quality as it can break down quicker at around three days compared to MCPA, which breaks down in 15 to 25 days.
Project an excellent chance to trial environment-friendly rush growth control method
Farmer Wyn Jones from Lampeter was impressed with the results after hiring a weed wiper in July 2015. He said:
“I’ve used MCPA in a boom sprayer in the past, but have found Glyphosate in a weed wiper a more effective and efficient method to tackling rush growth. The weed wiper was easy to operate and because its ATV mounted, I could target infestations not accessible with a tractor and boom sprayer. The project was an excellent chance to trial a method that can tackle rush growth in an environmental friendly way.”
Welsh Water’s Chief Executive, Chris Jones said:
“We’d like to thank all those who participated in and supported the trial. Reducing these levels means we can use fewer chemicals and energy to treat drinking water. This is good news for our customers and our beautiful environment. It is vitally important that we all help play our part.”
Those interested in taking part in this year’s campaign can find out more by attending upcoming workshops hosted by Welsh Water’s project partner, Farming Connect.
Click here for more information and details of how to join the trial.