On November 13, 2008 Government of Alberta announced it would ban sales of what is known as "weed and feed" from stores—but not until January 1, 2010. This ban will be a good step to improving water quality in Alberta's waterways. The ban does not apply to spot-application pesticides.

Heavy rainfall often picks up pesticides and herbicides from lawns, negatively affecting water quality in our river systems, lakes, and wetlands. In addition, many pesticides are difficult or expensive to remove from water at treatment plants. Bans such as the one adopted by the Government of Alberta could ultimately reduce the cost of water treatment for municipalities and their taxpayers.

Proponents of the provincial ban argue it is much more effective than municipal bylaws, which are often voluntary and rely largely on raising awareness to encourage people not to use pesticides. The province-wide ban effectively stops people from buying the product in the first place by removing it from the stores. This ban follows similar bans in Ontario, Quebec, New Zealand, United States, and some European countries. For example, some parts of the United States have introduced restrictions on use of some pesticides so as to protect salmon.

Sources

Byrtus, Gary, Anne-Marie Anderson, Karen Saffran, Gary Bruns, and Larry Checknita. November 2002. Determination of New Pesticides in Alberta's Surface Waters (1999-2000). Alberta Environment.

Callaway, Ewen. June 9, 2008. Pesticides blamed for plummeting salmon stocks. New Scientist.

Cornwall, Warren. November 19, 2008. To protect salmon, restrictions placed on three pesticides. Seattle Times.

Hall, Jamie, and Keith Gerein. November 14, 2008. Popular weed killer pulled: Herbicide/fertilizer pellets blamed for contaminating rivers, killing birds. Edmonton Journal.

Wilton, Susanne. July 14, 2008. Support to ban spraying dries up: City Council votes today on pesticides. Calgary Herald.