Pesticide users in Carlow and Kilkenny are being urged to take extra care as the spraying season winds down

Pesticide users in Carlow and Kilkenny are being urged to take extra care as the spraying season winds down.

The National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group says autumn weather can increase the threat to local water supplies.

The organisation states pesticide contamination of drinking water in Ireland has fallen significantly and since the group was established in 2017, pesticide excess have dropped by more than 50%.

However, the risk remains, particularly during wetter autumn weather, when pesticides can enter rivers and streams.

Farmers and land managers are being urged to only spray when necessary and to follow best practice to protect drinking water and biodiversity.