The quality of Irish water affects the whole country, as poor water quality can threaten human, animal and plant health. Let’s look at what the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Water Quality in 2022 indicator report told us about Ireland’s waterways.
Nutrient Pollution Harming The Quality of Irish Water
First of all, the report tells us that there has been no real improvement in the quality of Irish water from 2019 to 2022. One of the main factors worsening water quality is the presence of high nutrient levels (like nitrogen and phosphorus). These nutrients can enter water bodies through human activities (e.g. farming and wastewater discharge).
Nitrate (a type of nitrogen) and phosphorus are essential for plant growth. However, elevated levels of these nutrients in water bodies can lead to algae growth. Algae blooms can interfere with water flow, reduce oxygen levels, and threaten aquatic life.
Example of an algal bloom in an Irish lake
A Closer Look at Ireland’s Water Bodies
The EPA groups Ireland’s bodies of water into four categories for monitoring: rivers, lakes, groundwater, and transitional (estuarine) and coastal waters. Each is assessed for its biological condition and nutrient concentrations. Here’s how each performed.
Rivers
56% of river water bodies have high or good biological conditions. This means 44% of rivers were deemed to be in moderate, poor or bad condition. Nitrogen levels increased from 2021 to 2022, with 40% of rivers showing unsatisfactory nitrate concentrations. Phosphate levels also need attention, with 28% of sites exhibiting unsatisfactory concentrations.
Lakes
55% of lakes monitored are of high or good biological quality. The remaining 45% are of moderate or worse quality. Phosphorus levels are particularly concerning. Concentrations are higher than the recommended thresholds in 36% of lakes.
Groundwater
As a positive, 91% of groundwater sites reported satisfactory conditions between 2019-2022. However, nitrogen levels increased from 2021 to 2022. 20% of groundwater monitoring sites were considered to have ‘high nitrate concentrations.’
This report assesses the condition of natural water bodies, not treated public drinking water (for that, see our summary of the EPA’s report on Ireland’s public water supplies). However, many private wells draw directly from groundwater, so elevated nitrate can affect household drinking water quality. Our Standard Drinking Water Test includes nitrates as standard.
Transitional and Coastal Waters
97% of estuarine and coastal waters exhibit satisfactory conditions. However, nitrogen concentrations are too high in 20% of these water bodies. This is worrying because these waters are particularly vulnerable to nitrogen. Estuaries with nitrogen exceedances include:
Glashaboy Estuary (Cork), Wexford Harbour, Castletown Estuary (Louth), Upper Barrow Estuary (Kilkenny), and Corock Estuary (Wexford).
Conclusion For The Quality Of Irish Water
The EPA report highlights concerns about the quality of Irish water bodies. Excessive nutrient levels need to be addressed, as not doing so can put our aquatic environments at risk.
An important step in improving water quality is regular water monitoring. Water monitoring can identify where nutrient levels are too high so that this can be fixed quickly. Southern Scientific Services monitors nutrient levels in water, giving you accurate data to identify problems early. Our efforts help achieve environmental sustainability, fostering healthier ecosystems and human well-being.
With over 30 years of experience, Southern Scientific is an INAB-accredited laboratory (ISO 17025, registration 194T), testing over 10,000 drinking water samples every year.
- Environmental water monitoring: our Chemical & Environmental Testing and Environmental & Testing Consultancy services support water body monitoring and assessment.
- Private wells and household supplies: the Standard Drinking Water Test checks for nitrates, ammonia, bacteria and other key parameters in a single sample.
