WRc continues to build on its collaborative research project RAPID (Risk Assessment: Pesticide Information Database) providing an accessible one-stop-shop information resource for understanding pesticide risks to drinking water quality.
strategic and tactical decisions regarding monitoring strategies, risk assessment, catchment investigations and treatment optimisation
proactive protection of raw water sources through early detection and management of emerging risks, as well as water company collaboration to re-define best practice
a source of authoritative information for a range of responses, from operational incidents and public enquiries through to industry developments altering pesticide risk.
Pesticides pose a widespread risk to water quality in Drinking Water Protected Areas. Water companies have been (1) challenged to take a more proactive approach to managing pesticide problems at source, and (2) given greater flexibility and responsibility for monitoring and risk assessment.
Until recently, there was no centralised repository of information with which to assess pesticide risks to drinking water. Approaches to pesticide risk screening were therefore often informal and sometimes yielded contradictory results, which can undermine regulatory confidence.
In response to addressed challenges, WRc instigated a collaborative research project co-funded by ten UK water companies, to develop a new online system that provides an accessible one-stop-shop information resource for understanding pesticide risks to drinking water quality.
Since the launch of the RAPID database in 2018, the project has been constantly evolving and improving. Following a collaborative knowledge exchange workshop and review, RAPID has recently entered a new phase to update the underlying data on actives, usage, and a prioritised list of actives in one place.
RAPID is an invaluable tool that will continue to provide authoritative information to water companies on the risk of pesticides to drinking water quality.
Whether you are a multi-national corporate, a regulated utility company, a government department, a contractor or an independent technology developer or supplier our team will work with you to deliver exceptional service and create valued solutions for your needs.
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