Reduction of water contamination from pesticide through the application of the Best Management Practices defined by the TOPPS project

Point sources are considered the most relevant entry route of PPP into surface and ground water. To focus on them is important in order to prevent contamination risks and to avoid exceeding the admitted threshold for PPP residues in drinkable water (0.1 µg/l), stated by European Water Directive. TOPPS (training of Operators to prevent Pollution from Point Sources) is a European Life project aimed at identifying Best Management Practices to prevent point sources taking into account farmers’ behaviour, equipment and infrastructure. Dissemination of TOPPS BMP through advice, training and demonstrations at a larger co-ordinated scale in Europe is the final project goal, which should lead to a consistent reduction of water contamination from pesticides.