Our Emerald Isle boasts a 7,500 km coastline, meaning we’re never far from the sea. But how safe are our waters?
Discover why monitoring seawater quality is vital for the health of our oceans and coastal areas in Ireland. Plus, find out how easy it is to test your seawater with our help!
Table of Contents
5 Reasons Why Seawater Testing is Vital
(1) Ensure public safety: Public health risks are one of the main consequences of failing to complete regular seawater testing. This can lead to increased cases of gastrointestinal, respiratory, or skin infections among the public.
(2) Monitor the ocean’s health: The health of our seas is important for protecting ecosystems and marine life. In Ireland, we pride ourselves on our beautiful shores and our flourishing fishing industry. The total value of the Irish seafood economy is estimated to be over €1 billion.
(3) Comply with the EU regulations on seawater quality: Seawater testing is used to assess salinity (a measure of salt content), pH level (a measure of seawater acidity or alkalinity), and nutrient levels.
(4) Identify sources of pollution: Increased rainfall, which is common in Ireland, can cause increased runoff into the ocean. Additionally, human activities can cause pollution. Without testing, pollution can go unnoticed and adversely affect marine ecosystems and the environment.
(5) Assess climate change: By analysing seawater levels and temperature, we can see potential climate change effects. This information allows professionals to make informed decisions about the impact of climate change on local seawaters.
Seawater Testing with Southern Scientific
Seawater testing is a crucial process for monitoring the quality and safety of the water along Ireland’s coast.
A water sample is collected and sent to our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory for testing. In the lab:
- Spectrophotometry is performed to check the water quality of the sample.
- Chromatography is used for pollutant checks, such as pesticides and hydrocarbons.
- Microbiological tests are also used to indicate the presence of human sewage, bacteria, viruses, and phytoplankton.
We then provide our customers with a comprehensive report on the seawater sample(s) results.
Who Needs Seawater Testing?
Seawater testing is recommended for a variety of organisations and individuals, including:
Government agencies such as the EPA and SFPA use seawater analysis to monitor the health of oceans and coastal environments and enforce water quality regulations.
Environmental groups use seawater analysis to monitor the health of the ocean and coastal environments and identify pollution sources.
Coastal communities use seawater analysis to understand the water quality in their local area and identify potential hazards to human health or the environment.
Shipping and fishing industries use seawater analysis to assess the impact of their activities on the ocean and coastal environments. Testing is also needed to comply with regulations. Continuous seawater testing is required for businesses with licences to discharge treated wastewater discharge into the sea. We are mainly asked to monitor seawater for discharge licence applications and compliance.
Researchers use seawater analysis to study the ocean and coastal environments and to understand the impacts of climate change and other human activities on these environments.
Public health officials and the HSE use seawater analysis to monitor the water quality at beaches and other recreational areas to ensure the water is safe for swimming and other activities.
Current State of Ireland’s Seawater
Each year, the EPA shares the results from the previous year’s seawater tests. The 2024 Bathing Water Quality in Ireland report is the most recent analysis available. The key findings were as follows:
96% of bathing waters met or exceeded the minimum required standards.
81% were classified as ‘Excellent’.
2 bathing waters were classified as ‘Poor’. These were:
Sandymount Strand, Co. Dublin: Polluted by contaminated streams, sewage discharges, and waste from dogs and birds.
Lady’s Bay, Buncrana, Co. Donegal: Influenced by the Buncrana wastewater treatment plant, combined stormwater overflows, and runoff during heavy rainfall.
How to Ensure the Seawater in Your Area is Safe?
Ensuring the safety of seawater in your area requires monitoring water quality. Here are some other steps you can take to ensure the seawater is safe:
Check water quality information: Regularly visit www.beaches.ie, where water quality information and incidents affecting bathing waters are displayed. This information may include details about pollution, algae blooms, or other factors impacting water safety.
Follow official advisories: Pay attention to any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities regarding water quality and potential hazards. If you have any health-related concerns, these advisories will help you make informed decisions about using seawater for recreational purposes.
Observe water conditions: While at the beach, use your senses to assess the water conditions. Look for signs of pollution, such as unusual colour, foul odour, or excessive floating debris. Avoid swimming in areas that appear contaminated or unsafe.
Respect posted signs: If any signs or flags indicate water quality issues or hazards at the beach, adhere to them strictly. These signs are there to protect beachgoers and ensure their safety.
Report any concerns: If you notice unusual water conditions or suspect pollution, promptly report your observations to the local authorities or beach management team. They can investigate and take appropriate actions to address the issue.
However, monitoring water quality is needed to ensure the safety of seawater in your area. Southern Scientific Services prioritises seawater testing to keep Ireland’s coastline safe. Contact our expert team today at +353 66 97 63588, or click the button below, for more information on seawater testing solutions.
