Weedkiller 'found in most streams', but drinking water is safe – PSD
PUBLIC Services has finally admitted that most Guernsey streams are polluted by the herbicide Glyphosate, but minister Scott Ogier sought to reassure people that drinking water was safe
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Since warning the public that monitoring had detected a problem, Guernsey Water has refused to answer Guernsey Press questions about the levels detected and where.
Former Environment minister David De Lisle asked questions in the States yesterday in a bid to get more information and lobby to get the herbicide that causes the problem, Roundup, banned.
Testing for glyphosate took place for the first time in October, Deputy Ogier told the States, before announcing a list of polluted streams that included Talbot and Fauxquets Valleys, Petit Bot east and west and the Vale Pond.
Deputy De Lisle said: 'That appears to be just about everywhere.'
Deputy Ogier revealed for the first time that levels detected ranged from 24 to 477 parts per billion before the water is treated after which there were 'no detectable levels'.
There was no advisory level set for glyphosate in streams because the quantity was considered too small to require it, said Deputy Ogier.
Guidelines for permissible levels in treated water was 100 parts per billion.
'I'm able to reassure the Assembly and islanders that our tap water is perfectly safe to drink,' said Deputy Ogier.
