Water companies are calling for more agronomist support on the back of the success of the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group’s ‘Get Pelletwise! initiative, that is now entering its fourth consecutive season.

Dr Joanna Clint, the catchment projects manager for Thames Water, said that sustained loyalty from agronomists had helped them to make informed decisions on water abstraction.

“The system has been extremely valuable to date, but, in common with other water companies, we need more agronomists to sign-up before the 2018 season starts again in this month,” she said.

“Each year we spend a lot of time deciding when to abstract water from our rivers and watercourses because of the difficulty in anticipating metaldehyde levels. MSG’s weekly reporting system, that collates the short reports filled in by participating agronomists on slug pellet treatments recommended during the week, really helps us to make an informed decision,” she said.

“The autumn is an important time for us as it’s when we hope to replenish reservoir levels to ensure water stocks are available for the coming year. However, this also coincides with slug pellet usage, so knowing the exact timing of applications is extremely valuable.”

She said that it was not just the slug pellet application information that was useful, but the extra comments, which help to build the bigger picture. “For example, if we know that soil is about to meet saturation point, and slug pelleting is taking place, then we can establish that there is a higher risk of metaldehyde entering watercourses.”

There are currently more than 90 agronomists signed up to the system. But, some areas are still under-represented and she called for agronomists across the country to sign up, particularly those advising in high risk water catchment areas.

The Metaldehyde Stewardship Group’s ‘Get Pelletwise! Agronomic Updates’ system began again on this week and agronomists are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.