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[HEALTH] · Australia · 3 sources

Benomyl residues detected in Victorian water, CropLife says no health risk

benomyl Victoria water CropLife Friends of the Earth drinking water safety

Trace amounts of the fungicide benomyl have been identified in water supplies across northern Victoria, with 141 detections reported by Friends of the Earth through freedom‑of‑information requests to state water authorities. Benomyl was banned in Australia in 2006, but it rapidly degrades into the related compound carbendazim, which remains approved for limited use on pulse crops.

CropLife Australia chief executive Matthew Cossey said modern analytical methods now detect substances at concentrations far below any toxicological relevance. He noted that the average concentration found is about 0.03 % of the Australian Drinking Water Guideline, and even the highest reading is only a tiny fraction of the health‑based standard, concluding that the levels do not pose a human health concern. Friends of the Earth land‑use researcher Anthony Amis warned that the presence of a long‑banned chemical could indicate stockpiling or illicit access.

Both organisations agree that the data reassure consumers that drinking water remains safe, while highlighting the need for continued monitoring.

Entities

Anthony Amis · Benomyl · CropLife Australia · Friends of the Earth · Matthew Cossey

Claims

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Sources

Fungicide found in drinking water no cause for worry according to CropLife [www.northqueenslandregister.com.au]
Fungicide found in drinking water no cause for worry according to CropLife [www.stockandland.com.au]
Fungicide found in drinking water no cause for worry according to CropLife [www.farmweekly.com.au]