EPA Report Reveals No Improvement in Ireland’s Water Quality
The most recent report “Water Quality in 2023: An Indicators Report” from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that Ireland’s water quality is essentially unaltered. While some rivers and lakes show signs of improvement, these gains are overshadowed by declines in other areas, primarily due to nutrient pollution from agriculture and wastewater.
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The EPA’s annual assessment highlights persistent issues with nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Nitrogen pollution, mainly from intensive agricultural activities, significantly impacts water quality in the east, southeast, and south. Phosphate levels, linked to poorly treated wastewater and agricultural run-off, fluctuate but show no significant long-term improvement. 35% of lakes and 27% of river sites, particularly in the north and northeast, have higher than average phosphorus levels.
Stricter actions needed as Ireland’s Water Quality Stagnates
Dr. Eimear Cotter, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment, expressed disappointment over the stagnation in water quality. She emphasised the need for stricter compliance with Good Agricultural Practice Regulations and accelerated improvements in wastewater infrastructure by Uisce Éireann.
Farmers, represented by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), assert their commitment to reducing agricultural impacts on water quality through better slurry management and reduced nitrogen fertiliser usage. However, environmental group An Taisce criticises the measures as inadequate, calling for a science-based approach to effectively address nitrogen pollution.
The EPA report concludes that until nutrient levels decrease significantly, Ireland will struggle to meet its water quality objectives.
