Drain testing

Research suggests that of the Agricultural plant protection products (pesticides) found in raw water, 40-70% originate from the farm yard area alone! Drips and spills in the yard, if un-contained, can find their way to surface water drains, culminating in losses to the environment.

As well as encouraging the use of drip trays (when filling sprayers) the Catchment Team are also providing farmers with drain tracer dyes, increasing understanding of connectivity and speed of losses from this source. Armed with this knowledge farmers can plan alternative filling locations and actions to reduce risks (drain covers, bunds etc).