Chlorothalonil was a pesticide used for 50 years, before being banned in 2020 in France because it was probably carcinogenic. But micropollutants resulting from its degradation are still present in the water. The national health security agency estimates that at least 34% of the water distributed does not comply with regulations. A figure undoubtedly underestimated with a much higher level in agricultural regions. This molecule worries us because there should be no pesticide residues in the water (…), pesticides pose a public health problem, says Mickaël Derangeon, vice-president of Atlantic’Eau.
Hard to get rid of
Studies are lacking on the dangerousness of molecules and their persistence in water. But a quality limit has been set. However, it is difficult to get rid of it. This would be expensive for communities and water authorities. Expensive and imperfect, pollution control technologies are also very energy intensive.
