Pesticide use renders Vale Pond unusable
PESTICIDES are infiltrating Guernsey’s water resources, leaving one major pond unusable and many others close to being in the same position.
Vale Pond provided around 250 million litres of water each year before it was deemed unsafe for use due to the overuse of garden chemicals in the area.
Overuse results in the need for additional and expensive water treatment systems, potentially leading to higher water bills for islanders.
‘We’re picking it up across the island, we have seen pesticides in all streams,’ said Margaret McGuinness, water quality risk manager at Guernsey Water.
Investigations into pesticide use take place this time each year, and between 2019 and 2021 there was about a 65% increase in pesticide concentration in streams across the island.
‘We do something similar every year as we see a spike in people gardening after Easter. We have lost this pond and we don’t want to lose any more – if people stopped using pesticides it will slowly come back, which I would hope will happen even if people just cut back on their usage,’ said Mrs McGuinness.
While in use, the pond usually provided 19 days’ worth of water, providing some security should a drought happen in the island.
‘If these levels continue, we will be more likely to need water restrictions such as hose pipe bans during periods of drought,’ said Mrs McGuinness.
Islanders are being urged to reconsider their use of chemicals in the garden and consider hand weeding, or more eco-friendly solutions such as boiling water.
‘We are asking islanders with some urgency to reconsider their use of pesticides and weed killer and look to alternatives for the benefit of the island’s vital water resources and environment. Otherwise, unfortunately it could be a case of spray now, pay later,’ said Mrs McGuinness.
Weed barriers in the form of mulch or wood chips are an additional environmentally friendly option, which will prevent unwanted plants from growing and will prevent plants from drying out.
Glyphosate is found in leading weed killer products and is absorbed through plants' leaves, stopping them from growing.
The issue of glyphosate has been raised several times in recent years. While the States decided not to ban the chemical in 2019, States Works stopped using the chemical shortly afterwards.
