WATER QUALITY IN IRELAND 2007 - 2008 - epa.ie Quality in...WATER QUALITY IN IRELAND 2007 - 2008 ......

WATER QUALITY IN IRELAND 2007 - 2008Key Indicators of the Aquatic Environment

EPA Headquarters, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford.Tel: 053-9160600 Fax: 053-9160699 Email: [email protected] Web: www.epa.ie

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ENvIRONMENTAL PROTEcTION AGENcy

WATER QUALIT Y IN IREL AND 2007-2008Key Indicators of the Aquatic Environment

Compiled by JOHN LUCEY

Aquatic Environment Office of Environmental Assessment

Environmental Protection Agency

An Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil

Johnstown Castle

Wexford

Ireland

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Email: [email protected]

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WATER QUALIT Y IN IREL AND 2007-2008Key Indicators of the Aquatic Environment

Published by the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, IRELAND

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ISBN: 978-1-84095-319-0 Price: No charge

11/09/700

i

KEy INdICATorS oF ThE AquATIC ENvIroNmENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The compiler wishes to gratefully acknowledge the following EPA colleagues for their help in providing, or facilitating the acquisition of, information for the report: Caroline Bowden, Jim Bowman, Kevin Clabby, matt Craig, donal daly, Georgina mcdermott, martin mcGarrigle, michael Neill, Kirsty Nolan, Shane o’Boyle, Ciarán o’donnell, Gerard o’Leary, Cara o’Loughlin, Fiona o’rourke, maeve quinn, ray Smith, Larry Stapleton, deirdre Tierney, Annmarie Tuohy, Peter Webster and robert Wilkes. The following EPA field and laboratory staff are thanked on behalf of the regional chemists: diarmuid Berry, yvonne Bogan, Sarah Boylan, martina Carolan, Joseph Casey, Carmel Clerkin, Gary Clinton, rachel Christie, Gerard Crawley, mary darcy-monahan, Wayne Egan, Brid Farragher, david Galvin, Eimer Godsil, Kieran Gordon, Elaine Greenan, Eugene halley, Nigel hayes, Eamonn holohan, Seán hyland, Brona Keating, Grainne Lawless, Patrick malone, denise mcElvaney, Peter mcEvoy, Tom mcEvoy, James mcGarry, regina mcGinn, Brenda mcmahon, Geraldine moran, Christopher murray, michelle o’dea, Garvan o’donnell, John o’hare, denise o’Shea, Carol o’Sullivan, Cathal ruane and Adrienne Turner. Tone Noklegaard is thanked for her work on estuarine and coastal water surveys on behalf of Shane o’Boyle who also wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the following colleagues: michael Bourke, Gerard Crawley, Wayne Egan, Cathal Gahan, Seán hyland, martin Kerr, Brendan magennis, margaret maher, Garvan o’donnell, Jim Penny, John rigney, Cathal ruane and Jim ryan. michael Neill and his staff are thanked for coverage of estuaries in the south-east.

Special thanks are due to those from other agencies who provided information, i.e. Central Fisheries Board (S. doyle and T. Gallagher); Waterways Ireland (P. Treacy, L. Gabbett and C. mcCarthy); Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (J. Carney and B. Nolan); Irish Coast Guard (h. Barry and N. Fuller); marine Institute (E. mcGovern, J. Silke, L. Tyrrell and E. Joyce); regional Fisheries Boards (Fisheries and Senior Fisheries Environmental officers) who provided original statistical information on fish kills, i.e. Southern regional Fisheries Board (P. Kilfeather, d. mcInerney and F. o’ donoghue), South Western regional Fisheries Board (P. o’Connor and m. mcPartland), Shannon regional Fisheries Board (m. Fitzsimons and C. Kerins), Western regional Fisheries Board (K. rogers), North Western regional Fisheries Board (S. Neylon and h. Neary), Northern regional Fisheries Board (B. maguire and A. Ni Shuilleabhain) and Eastern regional Fisheries Board (B. Beckett, d. Byrne, G. hannigan, m. Kirrane and N. mcGloin).

original bathing water data were supplied to the EPA (A. Tuohy, K. Nolan, d. Kirwan, y. doris, m. Keegan and r. Barrington) by the following local authorities: Clare County Council (P. o’ Brien); Cork County Council (d. Sheehan); donegal County Council (P. Gallagher); dublin City Council (K. Callanan); dun Laoghaire rathdown County Council (C. Keenan); Fingal County Council (m. Zmyflowska); Galway City Council (S. Johnstone); Galway County Council (C. ryan); Kerry County Council (d. Lenihan); Leitrim County Council (E. Gibbons); Louth County Council (B. Gallagher); mayo County Council (h. Neary); meath County Council (A. mcmahon); Sligo County Council (P. Bergin); Waterford County Council (J. Sullivan); Westmeath County Council (A. Bonner); Wexford County Council (J. Lambe); Wicklow County Council (E. dillon).

Supplementary lake water quality data, i.e. in addition to that gathered by the EPA (C o’Loughlin, m. Neill, m. quinn, C. o’donnell, J. Larkin, P. Webster, r. Smith, C. Bradley, G. Free, B. Kennedy, r. Little, P. mcCreesh, C. Plant, W. Trodd, d. Tierney, d. Berry, d. quinn, m. morgan and C. Gahan) were supplied by the following: Complete Laboratory Services (r. Browne); Central Fisheries Board (T. Champ, F. Kelly, L. Connor and J. hennelly); Northern regional Fisheries Board (C. Glennon); North Western regional Fisheries Board (h. Llyod and T. harrison); Cavan County Council (C. o’Callaghan); Clare County Council (T. duffy and m. Burke); Cork County Council (d. Sheehan); donegal County Council (d. Casey, J.Ferry and G. mcGinley); dublin City Council (d. morrissey and A. Carney); Galway County Council (m. Ni Chionna, d. Connell, A. dolan and C. Sullivan); Kerry County Council (d. Lenihan and I. mcGloin); Leitrim County Council (A. reynolds, E. mcNeela and E. Gibbons); Limerick County Council (C. Gleeson and P. mcEvoy); mayo County Council (m. Sweeney and h. Neary); monaghan County Council (B. o’ Flaherty and G. Kelly); roscommon County Council (J. o’Gorman); Sligo County Council (P. Bergin); South dublin County Council (r. Fitzpatrick); Waterford County Council (P. Carroll); Westmeath County Council (A Bonner, m. Connolly); Wicklow County Council (T. Griffin, E. dillon and J. Sexton).

Finally, the help of Emily Williamson, for liaison and co-ordination with designers/printers (firstimpression/Brunswick Press), is greatly appreciated.

maps in the report include ordnance Survey Ireland (oSI) data reproduced under licence.


ii Water qual i t y in I re land 2007-2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements i

Introduction 1

Summary 2

Water Quality Indicators

Indicator 1: river quality 4

Indicator 2: high Ecological quality river Sites 6

Indicator 3: Nitrates in rivers 8

Indicator 4: Phosphates in rivers 10

Indicator 5: Lake quality 12

Indicator 6: Nitrates in Lakes 14

Indicator 7: Phosphates in Lakes 16

Indicator 8: Canal quality 18

Indicator 9: Fish Kills 20

Indicator 10: Estuarine and Coastal Water quality 22

Indicator 11: Estuarine and Coastal Water – Biological Status 24

Indicator 12: Nitrates in Estuarine and Coastal Waters 26

Indicator 13: Phosphates in Estuarine and Coastal Waters 28

Indicator 14: quality of Shellfish Waters – Shellfish quality 30

Indicator 15; quality of Shellfish Waters – Water quality 32

Indicator 16: Pollution at Sea Incidents 34

Indicator 17: Bathing Water quality 36

Indicator 18: Faecal Coliforms in Groundwater 38

Indicator 19: Nitrates in Groundwater 40

Indicator 20: Phosphates in Groundwater 42

1Water qual i t y in I re land 2007-2008


This report is the third in the series of summary statistics to be published, by the Agency, on the latest information regarding water quality in Ireland and covers the years 2007 and 2008. It sets out in a concise way some core indicators for water quality, based on the most up-to-date data available. These indicators are the key statistics that summarise a particular water quality issue. Collectively, their value is in delivering timely, scientifically sound information on water quality to decision makers in particular as well as to the wider general public. Thus they bridge the gap between national three-yearly reports on water quality the most recent of which covered the period 2004-2006 (Clabby et al., 2008). The first report in the series was for 2005 (Lucey, 2006) and the second for 2006 (Lucey, 2007).

The present report covers all surface and underground water bodies as in rivers, lakes, canals, estuarine/coastal waters and groundwaters. It will be noticed that for some surface water indicators, separate ecological status classifications are included for Water Framework directive (WFd) (2000/60/EC) purposes. In this context it will also be noticed that differences emerge when water quality status is assessed using WFd methodology and this may be explained by the wider range of quality elements used than hitherto. Additionally the report summarises the situation in relation to some of Ireland’s reporting obligations such as for the Nitrates directive.

This indicator report focuses on a specific issue: the quality of aquatic ecosystems. As such it complements the national environmental indicator reports, in which integrated assessment is usually guided by, driving forces, pressures, state, impact and response (dPSIr). The latest such report by the Agency was published as Environment in Focus 2006: Environmental Indicators for Ireland (Environmental Informatics and reporting unit, 2006). In order to avoid unnecessary duplication, the series on the quality of the aquatic environment contain only those that can be described as direct environmental indicators. In other words only those indicators of impact or state are considered.

The report concentrates on what are perceived to be the main indicators of ambient water quality in Ireland, which are 20 in total for present purposes. As well as giving the current situation, regarding the state of the aquatic resource, the report also includes analyses of trends over time. only by including historical information can improvement or deterioration be discerned and programmes of measures for remediation instituted. In Ireland biological data on river quality are gathered over a three-year cycle and subsequently reported upon - the next national report will be for the period 2007-2009. Similarly, although collected annually, information on estuarine and coastal waters as well as lakes and groundwaters is reported in a rolling manner. All indicators include information for 2008.

The style of presentation is that the indicators have been set out in a ‘stand alone’ fashion, of two-page maximum length including graphics, so that a concise assessment is available for each of the 20 indicators.

The EPA prepared a national monitoring programme to meet the requirements of the Water Framework directive as well as other Eu and national obligations. The WFd requires the establishment of two primary monitoring programmes: the Surveillance monitoring (Sm) and the operational monitoring (om) networks for surface waters and groundwaters. A third type known as Investigative monitoring (Im) aims to identify the causes of failure to achieve good environmental status and to determine the measures required to achieve this. The island of Ireland is considered to be one biogeographical unit and has been divided into eight river basin districts (rBds) or international rBds (IrBds) for water management purposes - seven of which fall wholly or partly within the republic of Ireland.

The challenge under the Water Framework directive is to have all waters, both surface and groundwater, in good or higher status within the timeframe set out in the directive.�

ReferencesClabby, K.J., Bradley, C., Craig, m., daly, d., Lucey, J., mcGarrigle, m., o’Boyle, S., Tierney, d. and Bowman, J., 2008. Water Quality in Ireland 2004-2006. EPA, Wexford.

Environmental Informatics and reporting unit (Comp.), 2006. Environment in Focus 2006: Environmental Indicators for Ireland. EPA, Wexford.

Lucey, J. (Comp.), 2006. Water Quality in Ireland 2005: Key Indicators of the Aquatic Environment. EPA, Wexford.

Lucey, J. (Comp.), 2007. Water Quality in Ireland 2006: Key Indicators of the Aquatic Environment. EPA, Wexford.

� The aims of the WFD are to maintain high status of waters where it exists, prevent any deterioration in the existing status of waters and achieve at least good status in relation to all waters by 2015. There are, however, provisions for derogations and deferred objectives in the Directive.

INTRODUCTION


2 Water qual i t y in I re land 2007-2008

The 20 indicators used in this report, to reflect ambient water quality conditions, may be summarised as follows:

• quality in the 13200 km of river and stream channel assessed in 2006-2008 showed slight deterioration, compared to the 2004–2006 period, with 70 per cent unpolluted, 19 per cent slightly polluted, 10.6 per cent moderately polluted and 0.5 per cent seriously polluted. While the extent of serious pollution was the same, both moderate and slight pollution had increased.

• The percentage of high ecological quality river sites in the country has almost halved in the 21 years between 1987 and 2008, from almost 30 per cent of the total sampled in the 1987-1990 period to less than 17 per cent in 2006-2008. The largest percentage of high quality sites are located in the less densely populated and less developed as well as less intensively farmed regions.

• Surveillance monitoring for nitrate at 180 river sites in 2008 showed average levels in the south-east to be generally much higher than those in the west. The five sites with the highest values, all associated with agriculture in their immediate upstream catchments, were in Cork (2), Kilkenny, Kerry and Wexford. Seven river sites in donegal had very low average nitrate concentrations.

• Surveillance monitoring for phosphate at 180 river sites in 2008 showed that just over 50 and 21 per cent were high and good quality respectively based on annual mean or average concentrations. Thus more than 28 per cent of sites, i.e. 51 of the 180, were less than Good Status. There were 18 river locations with very low mean concentrations five of which were in Kerry.

• quality in the 1193.6 km2 of lake surface area examined in 2006-2008 showed a slight decline, since the previous period (2004-2006), with 90.4 per cent oligotrophic or mesotrophic (unpolluted), 5 per cent eutrophic and 1 per cent hypertrophic. The proportion of lakes with an overall satisfactory water quality status has declined slightly also, i.e. 81.7 per cent compared to 85.3 per cent, between the two periods.

• Surveillance monitoring of 75 lakes for nitrate in 2008 showed that 92 per cent, or 69 lakes, were in the lowest range (0-1.99 mg No3/l) used for reporting purposes under the Nitrates directive. The highest average value was recorded in Lough derg (Tipperary) followed by Lough Sheelin (Cavan), White Lough (meath), Lough muckno (monaghan) and Lough Leane (Kerry).

• Surveillance monitoring of 75 lakes for phosphate in 2008 showed that more than 81 per cent, or 61 lakes, were of good or better quality. more than 18 per cent, or 14 lakes, were less than satisfactory in respect to this indicator. The most phosphate-enriched lake was Lough Egish (monaghan) followed by White (monaghan), upper Lough Erne and oughter (Cavan), muckno/Blayney (monaghan) and Templehouse (Sligo).

• The 2007 and 2008 monitoring results for the royal and Grand Canals indicated good water quality overall as they did in the period 2004-2006. The Grand Canal displayed good quality in all sections despite elevated levels of phosphorus being recorded in some feeder streams and the Barrow Navigation was also satisfactory although some tributary streams continued to display less than good water quality.

• There were 34 fish kills reported in 2008 while in 2007 the number was 22 with most attributed, respectively, to agriculture and local authority operations. Such annual rates, albeit reduced compared with some previous years, are unacceptably high as each fish kill represents catastrophic environmental disturbance to aquatic life.

• quality in 89 water bodies from 32 estuarine and coastal areas in 2006-2008 showed that 35 (39%) were unpolluted, 40 (45%) intermediate, 7 (8%) potentially eutrophic and 7 (8%) eutrophic. This represents an improvement in water quality status, compared with the most recent previous period, with 6 fewer water bodies being classed as eutrophic. A total of 11 water bodies, however, showed a decline in status.

• A total of 101 transitional (estuarine) and coastal waters were assessed using biological quality elements, for Water Framework directive purposes, in 2008 when just under 60 per cent were classed as either high or good status and the remainder as moderate or worse. Some were poor status based on fish communities with Kinvarra Bay lagoons being designated bad quality on the same biological element. The Argideen estuary was classified at poor status for opportunistic macroalgal abundance.

SUMMARY



• monitoring for nitrate in 89 estuarine and coastal water bodies showed that 35 breached the winter assessment criterion with the following doing so at all sampling times: upper Liffey estuary, Glashaboy estuary, Colligan estuary, lower Bandon estuary, owenacurra estuary, upper and lower Slaney estuary, Boyne estuary and Lough mahon. Five others, dublin Bay, inner and outer Cork harbour, malahide Bay and youghal Bay, would fail to comply with the environmental quality standard set for Water Framework directive purposes.

• monitoring for phosphate in 89 estuarine and coastal water bodies showed that only two breached the winter assessment criterion and hence the environmental quality standard (EqS) set for Water Framework directive purposes. more water bodies were in breach of the EqS in summer than in winter and these included the upper Liffey estuary, Broadmeadow water, the Tolka, deel and rogerstown estuaries.

• In 2008 the quality of shellfish waters (for human consumption) showed 26 per cent of sites were Class A (highest quality) and 62 per cent Class B (Intermediate quality) with none in Class C (Low quality). This can be compared with the situation in the previous three years when 25 per cent were A and 56 per cent B in 2007/2006 and 30 per cent were A and 54 per cent B in 2005.�

• Seawater and shellfish samples were taken from designated shellfish waters (for water quality) during 2007 and 2008 and analysed for trace metals and organohalogens. In both years all pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in seawater were below limits of detection. monitoring typically shows Irish shellfish growing waters to be of high quality in respect to the substances monitored.

• The total number of pollution-at-sea incidents reported in 2007 was 54 and 45 in 2008 the great majority of which were oil spillages in the 1-455 litre volume category although two in 2008 were 1-50 tonnes. The number of reports of oil pollution reaching the shoreline was respectively 2 and 5 in 2007 and 2008. during 2008, 6 incidents were reported involving oiled birds.

• quality at the 131 bathing waters in 2008 showed 93 per cent of sites complying with Eu minimum mandatory limit values representing a decrease of 4 per cent of bathing sites attaining sufficient water quality compared with 2007. Almost 78 per cent of bathing water sites (102 of 131) complied with the stringent Eu guide values, thus achieving good water quality status in 2008, representing a decrease of 2 per cent compared with 2007 which in turn had shown a decrease of 10 per cent since 2006.

• In the 2007-2008 period 67 per cent of groundwater (wells and springs) monitoring locations had faecal coliforms in at least one sample (an increase of 10% from the previous reporting period 2004-2006). Approximately 34 per cent of the samples tested positively for faecal coliforms and 19 per cent of the samples had greater than 10 faecal coliforms. The number of samples with zero faecal coliforms declined slightly when compared with the previous reporting period.

• Between 2007 and 2008, the nitrate concentration exceeded the Threshold value for drinking water at approximately 7 per cent of groundwater monitoring locations and exceeded the maximum Admissible Concentration at approximately 1 per cent (a decrease of 1% compared with the previous two reporting periods). The south-east and south of the country had the greater proportion of locations with elevated nitrate levels.

• In the 2007-2008 period 24 per cent of groundwater monitoring locations were less than good quality based on mean phosphate concentrations. Particularly elevated phosphate levels have been measured in the south and south-east. Elevated levels in Karst Limestone areas (e.g. Galway, mayo and roscommon), because of the contribution of groundwater to flow in such areas, may be contributing to eutrophication in rivers and lakes.

� It should be noted that in this classification of shellfish waters, the percentages, as set out here, do not necessarily add up to 100 as areas with sites having more than one class have been omitted.



The water quality situation in the 13200 km of river and stream channel surveyed by the EPA, using a biological assessment method, is regarded as a representative indicator of the national status of such waters and to reflect any overall trends in conditions. The data are collected on a three-year cycle with the latest such period ending in 2009.

The total river length surveyed in 2006-2008 falling into the four biological water quality classes is shown in Figure 1a. This shows that 70 per cent of channel length to be satisfactory, indicating a slight reduction of just over one per cent since the 2004-2006 monitoring cycle. Less than one per cent (0.5%), the same as in the previous cycle, was again classed in the most polluted condition.�

Figure 1a River Quality 2006-2008 – Percentage Channel Length in each Class

Unpolluted 70%

Slightly Polluted 19%

Moderately Polluted 11%

Seriously Polluted 0.5%

Source: EPA (C. Bradley, K. Clabby, J. Lucey and M. McGarrigle)

under the regulations (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) implementing the Water Framework directive (WFd) seven of the eight river basin districts (rBds) or international rBds (IrBds), into which the island of Ireland is divided for water management purposes, fall wholly or partly within the republic of Ireland. The following tabulation gives the latest quality breakdown of the proportion of channel length in each district with the corresponding percentage for the previous period (2004-2006) shown in parentheses.

Region Unpolluted Slightly Polluted

Moderately Polluted

Seriously Polluted

South Western rBd 91% (90%) 8% (8%) 2% (2%) 0% (0.2%)

Western rBd 84% (84%) 9% (10%) 7% (5%) 0.1% (0.1%)

North Western IrBd (South) 62% (71%) 19% (15%) 19% (13%) 0.3% (0.5%)

Shannon IrBd 61% (67%) 26% (22%) 12% (11%) 1.0% (0.7%)

South Eastern rBd 67% (62%) 20% (26%) 12% (12%) 0.3% (0.4%)

Eastern rBd 49% (52%) 33% (28%) 17% (19%) 1.1% (1.3%)

Neagh Bann IrBd (South) 48% (49%) 31% (30%) 21% (20%) 0% (0.6%)

� The following rivers and streams had seriously polluted stretches: 2006 – Ballymascanlan, Borrisoleigh Stream, Clarinbridge, Fane, Gowran, Laurencetown Stream, Ownahinchy, Triogue and Tully Stream; 2007 – Ahavarraga Stream, Aughboy (Wexford), Avoca, Ballymascanlan, Bredagh, Borrisoleigh Stream, Brosna, Camac, Clodiagh (Tullamore), Greenhill Stream, Gowran, Jiggy (Hind), Lee (Tralee), Maggy’s Burn, Mountrath, Nore, Roosky, Swilly Burn, St. Johnston, Tolka, Tubbercurry, Tubbercurry Stream and Tully Stream; 2008 - Arigna (Roscommon), Ahavarraga Stream, Aughboy (Wexford), Avoca, Borrisoleigh Stream, Bredagh, Brosna, Clarinbridge, Dunshaughlin Stream, Jiggy (Hind), Lee (Tralee), Owengar (Leitrim), Roechrow, Roosky, Shinrone Stream, Swilly Burn, Tubbercurry, Tubbercurry Stream and Tully Stream. While some of these, e.g. Ownahinchy in SWRBD, might have been seriously polluted in one of the years of the sampling cycle they may have ameliorated by the following year and hence would be classed as satisfactory for the 2006-2008 period.

INDICATOR 1: RIVER QUALIT Y



As would be expected, the less densely populated and less developed, as well as less intensely farmed, regions have the higher proportions of unpolluted channel. At rBd level, recent improvements, i.e. increase in unpolluted length, are noted in just two (South Western and South Eastern) while significant deterioration is recorded for two others (North Western and Shannon).

Figure 1b shows the trends in river quality between 1987 and 2008. The proportion of river and stream channel length with an overall satisfactory water quality status has decreased by more than one per cent in the latest period (70%) compared to the previous period of assessment (71.4%). There was a minor increase (+0.7%) in the moderately polluted length and a small increase also in the proportion of slightly polluted channel (+0.9%). The overall proportion of seriously polluted channel has remained at less than one per cent for some time.

Figure 1b River Quality 1987-2008 – Percentage of Channel Length

Unpolluted Slightly Polluted Moderately Polluted Seriously Polluted

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

2006-082004-062001-031998-001995-971991-941987-90

The WFd river monitoring Programme commenced in 2007 and replaced the traditional programme based on macroinvertebrates only referred to above. In this new programme the ecological status of Irish rivers is assessed by reference to the invertebrate, plant and fish populations in river water bodies along with the supporting general physical chemical and hydromorphology quality elements and protected area status.� Five water quality status classes are recognised and the breakdown of river waterbodies into these classes is as follows:

River Quality – WFD Interim Status

Ecological Class Number of Water Bodies

high 173 (9%)

Good 738 (40%)

moderate 509 (28%)

Poor 389 (21%)

Bad 41 (2%)


The number of river water bodies assessed for WFd Interim Biological Status was 1850 and the following gives a breakdown of water quality classification. of the rivers examined, 911 or 49 per cent, were in good or better status, i.e. satisfactory, while the remaining number, 939 or 51 per cent, were less than good, i.e. unsatisfactory.

SourceEPA (C. Bradley, K. Clabby, J. Lucey and m. mcGarrigle)

� Further details can be obtained at wfdireland.ie



high ecological quality at river sites is an indicator of largely undisturbed conditions and reflects the natural background status or only minor distortion by anthropogenic influences. Such sites are used as reference from which deviation in quality is measured. Sites of high ecological quality are important for supporting aquatic species sensitive to enrichment or siltation such as the protected, but declining, freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) and juvenile salmon (Salmo salar). The presence of high status sites along a river system can contribute significantly to the overall species diversity and recolonisation of species to rehabilitated stretches. These sites play an important part in conserving individual species and overall catchment biodiversity. The Water Framework directive (WFd) requires member States to protect and maintain high and good status water bodies.

The ecological quality of Irish rivers has been assessed, using a biotic index scheme, developed by the EPA and its predecessor organisations, An Foras Forbartha and the Environmental research unit, since 1971. In 2006 this scheme, known as the quality rating System (q-value), was intercalibrated and is applied as the metric for ascribing Ecological quality ratios (Eqrs) for the benthic invertebrate fauna element in the operational river-monitoring programme under the Water Framework directive (WFd).� When the Eqr is derived from the q-value the site is assigned to one of five ecological status classes ranging from high to Bad.

Quality Rating System

(Q-Value)

Ecological Quality Ratio

(EQR)

Ecological Status

5 1.0 high

(reference Condition)

4-5 0.9 high

4 0.8 Good

3-4 0.7 moderate

3 0.6 Poor

2-3 0.5 Poor

2 0.4 Bad

1-2 0.3 Bad

1 0.2 Bad

The percentage number of high quality sites (Figure 2a) has almost halved in the 21 years between 1987 and 2008 and what is more striking is the seven-fold decrease of those attaining reference Condition (q5); the latter fraction, less than two per cent in the current period, being the same as for the 2004-2006 period. In each survey period the decline in high status sites has continued, from almost 30 per cent of the total sampled in the 1987-1990 period to less than 17 per cent in 2006-2008 (Figure 2a). A further analysis revealed that only 153 of the 427 sites assessed as being of high status for the period 2006-2008 could be considered long-term high status sites, i.e. continuously assessed as high status since sampling commenced at the sites between 1971 and 1998 (Figure 2b).��

� The Directive requires that the results of the biological monitoring systems operated by each Member State be expressed as ecological quality ratios (EQRs). These ratios represent the relationship between the values of the biological parameters observed for the body of surface water being assessed and the value for those parameters in the reference or undisturbed conditions applicable to that body. The ratio is expressed as a numerical value between zero and one, with high ecological status represented by values close to one and bad ecological status by values close to zero. To ensure comparability across the European Union, the classification systems were compared through an intercalibration network comprised of sites in each Member State and in each Ecoregion and boundaries were set for the status classes high and good.

�� Comprising only sites that were high status (Q5 or Q4-5) on all sampling occasions (≥4) and have been sampled in the 2004-2006 period and/or 2007-2008 period.

INDICATOR 2: HIGH ECOLOGICAL QUALIT Y RIVER SITES



A decline in the percentage number of high status sites was noted in all river basin districts between 1987 and 2008. The largest percentage number of high status sites continues to be located in the less densely populated and less developed, as well as less intensively farmed regions (South Western and Western rBds). The greatest decline in the percentage number of high status sites was noted in the North Western, Neagh Bann and Shannon regions.

one of the aims of the Water Framework directive (WFd) is to maintain high status of water where it exists but where practicable the river Basin districts (rBds) should, in addition, strive to restore former high quality sites as well.

SourceEPA (C. Bradley, K. Clabby, J. Lucey and m. mcGarrigle)

Figure 2a High Ecological Quality (Q5 and Q4-5) River Sites Trend 1987-2008 – Percentage Number

High Status and Reference Condition (Q5) High Status (Q4-5)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2006-20082004-20062001-20031998-20001995-19971991-19941987-1990

Perc

enta

ge N

umbe

r of

Site

s

Figure 2b Long-term High Ecological Quality (Q5 and Q4-5) River Sites 1971-2008 (n=153) – Number in River Basin Districts (RBDs)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

NB IRBDERBDSERBDNW IRBDSH IRBDWRBDSWRBD

Num

ber

of S

ites


.



The concentration of nitrate in rivers is a key quality indicator because of its enriching effect as a nutrient and because of the potential health implication of high nitrate concentration in river waters abstracted for potable supplies.

The Eu Nitrates directive (91/676/EEC)� requires member states to take specific measures to protect surface waters and groundwater from nitrate contamination arising from agricultural activities. The Irish regulations implementing the directive, and incorporating the action plan, were enacted and published as the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 101 of 2009).�� In addition direct waste discharges, such as sewage, may also contribute to such contamination and the Eu directive on urban wastewater treatment (91/271/EEC) provides for the removal of nitrogen from such waste in certain circumstances. No Water Framework directice (WFd) standards have, as yet, been established for nitrates in rivers or lakes. however, for reporting purposes, under the Nitrates directive, six quality classes are included ranging from 0->50 mg No3/l.

Nitrate, often reported as Total oxidised Nitrogen (ToN) given the very low Nitrite concentrations encountered, is measured in the rivers monitoring programme and Figure 3 shows annual mean levels at all surveillance sites (n=180). more than 25 and 46 per cent of these sites in 2008 were in the top two categories respectively based on annual average concentrations while 25 per cent fell into the next class. Thus less than three per cent of sites, i.e. five of the 180, could be described as unsatisfactory. No Irish surveillance monitoring sites had average concentrations in the two higher-class ranges (40->50 mg No3). The maximum Admissible Concentration (mAC) of 50 mg No3/l for drinking water was not breached in any sample at any site in 2008.

Quality Classes for Nitrate Concentrations (mg NO3/l) in Rivers (% of sampling points) in 2008

0-1.99 2-9.99 10-24.99 25-39.99 40-50 >50

Annual average 25.6 46.7 25.0 2.8 0 0

Annual maximum 17.2 37.2 34.4 10.6 0.6 0

of the 180 sites, the five river locations with the highest average ToN values, i.e. 25-39.99 mg No3/l, in descending order, were: Womanagh (Cork), Nuenna (Kilkenny), martin (Cork), Tyshe (Kerry) and owenduff (Wexford). Four of the five locations have greater than 90 per cent agriculture in their immediate upstream catchment areas. A positive correlation between nitrate levels and the proportions of ploughed land in their catchments has been shown for the rivers in the south-east where we can see from Figure 3 that the majority of sites in the 10-24.99 mg No3/l category fall within this region. Two of the sites in this region, on the Nuenna in County Kilkenny and owenduff in County Wexford, would exceed the Guideline value for drinking water as would two sites, on the martin and Womanagh, in County Cork, also in 2008. It would, therefore, appear that rivers in tillage areas of Cork are also vulnerable to pollution by nitrates. The Tyshe, at Ardfert in Kerry, had elevated mean nitrate (26.68 mg No3/l) and phosphate (0.107 mg P/l) levels in 2008 where the upstream catchment area is 82 per cent and nine per cent respectively agriculture and urban.

of the 180 sites, seven river locations had very low mean nitrate concentrations, i.e. <0.20 mg No3/l; in ascending order these were: Glaskeelan, Cronaniv Burn, Eany Water, Stranagoppoge, owentocker, Elatagh and mourne Beg all of which are in donegal.

This indicator clearly shows the contrast between the regions with nitrate levels in the south-east generally much higher than those in the west (Figure 3). Some rivers in the south-east exceed the Guide level (25 mg No3/l) for drinking water particularly in winter and while the indications are that nitrate levels in all the catchments there have increased since 1979, they would appear to have stabilised since the late 1990s.

SourcesEPA (m. Neill, C. o’ Loughlin, m. quinn, r. Smith and P. Webster); Neill, m., 1989. Nitrate concentrations in river waters in the south-east of Ireland and their relationships with agricultural practice. Water Research 23, 1339-1355; European Commission, 2008. ‘Nitrates’ Directive (91/676/CEE): Status and trends of aquatic environment and agricultural practice. Development Guide for Member States’ Reports. Annex: Reporting templates and formats for Geographical information and summary tables on water quality. European Commission, Brussels; Neill, m., 2009. River Water Quality in South-East Ireland, 2008. A report Commissioned by the County Councils of Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Tipperary (N&S), Waterford & Wexford and by Waterford City Council. EPA, Kilkenny.

� The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) – Council Directive of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources – was adopted in 1991 and has the objective of reducing water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources.

�� These Regulations revoke, and re-enact with amendments, the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations (S.I. No. 788 of 2005 and S.I. No. 378 of 2006). However, the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2009 will revise and replace the previous Regulations made in 2006 and 2007.

INDICATOR 3: NITR ATES IN RIVERS



Figure 3: Annual Average Nitrate Concentrations (mg NO3/l) in Rivers in 2008

Source: EPA (M. Neill, C. O’ Loughlin, M. Quinn, R. Smith and P. Webster)Carthography: EPA (A. McElwain)



The concentration of phosphate in rivers is a key quality indicator - because of its enriching effect as a nutrient - particularly in fresh water. Nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, are essential for plant growth but if present in excessive amounts they can lead to a significant decrease in water quality. Phosphates can be introduced into the aquatic environment through discharges from industrial and sewage treatment works and the spreading of animal manure slurries as well as from chemical fertilizers or other agrochemicals leading to enrichment of waters (eutrophication). As phosphate is normally the limiting nutrient for plant growth in fresh waters it is freely removed from the water, in summer especially, and the analysis of this parameter alone may not be sufficient to gauge enrichment in rivers.� Assessments of plant growth in rivers, using macrophyte and phytobenthos including filamentous algae and diatoms, are carried out by the EPA, in its surveillance monitoring programme, to complement the physico-chemical measurements.

The following standards for molybdate reactive Phosphate (mrP) are set for rivers: high Status ≤0.025 (mean) or ≤0.045 (95%ile); Good Status ≤0.035 (mean) or ≤0.075 (95%ile). Phosphate is measured in the rivers monitoring programme and Figure 4 shows annual mean levels at all surveillance sites (n=180). Just over 50 and 21 per cent of these sites in 2008 were high and Good quality respectively based on annual mean or average concentrations. Thus more than 28 per cent of sites, i.e. 51 of the 180, were less than Good Status.

Quality Classes for Phosphate Concentrations (mg P/l) in Rivers (% of sampling points) in 2008

<0.025 >0.025-0.035 >0.035-0.065 >0.065-0.15 >0.150

Annual average 50.6 21.1 19.4 8.3 0.6

Annual maximum 15.6 8.9 31.7 33.9 10.0

on analysis of annual maximum data for 2008, 10 per cent of results, or 18 measurements, fell into the most enriched category, i.e. were greater than 0.150 mg P/l. The highest concentration, 0.60 mg P/l, was measured in the Tully Stream (Kildare). Note, however, that the standard is based on mean or 95 percentile values and the maxima above are included to indicate their distribution.

of the 180 sites, 16 river locations had relatively high average mrP values, i.e. >0.065 mg P/l; in descending order these were: Tully Stream (Kildare), Tyshe (Kerry), maigue (Limerick), Tubbercurry (Sligo), Finn (monaghan), deel (Limerick), White (Louth), Funshion (Cork), dead (Tipperary), Nore (Kilkenny), duncormick (Wexford), Ara (Tipperary), Anner (Tipperary), Ballyroan (Laois), Tullamore (offaly) and Glory (Kilkenny). The Tully Stream and Tyshe had mean concentrations >0.10 mg P/l. In fact, the Tyshe, at Ardfert in Kerry, had high mean nitrate (26.68 mg No3/l) and phosphate (0.107 mg P/l) levels in 2008.

of the 180 sites, 18 river locations had very low mean concentrations, i.e. <0.01 mg P/l; in ascending order these were: Cummeragh (Kerry), Caragh (Kerry), Laune (Kerry), Glenfelly Stream (offaly), Caher (Clare), Bundorragha (mayo), Adrigole (Cork), owvane (Cork), owenreagh (Kerry), owenriff (Galway), Liffey (Kildare), Glencree (Wicklow), Nier (Waterford), Lee (Cork), Sullane (Cork), Graney (Clare), Blackwater (Kerry) and owenboliska (Galway). In addition 10 others in donegal as well as the Bilboa (Limerick), Broadford (Clare) and moyree (Galway) were reported as 0.01 mg P/l.

unlike nitrate (see Indicator 3: Nitrates in rivers), the contrast between the western and eastern river phosphate content is not as immediately apparent (Figure 4) yet almost half of the surveillance monitoring sites in the South-Eastern river Basin district (SErBd) would not achieve Good Status in 2008 based on this nutrient. While levels have fluctuated, the indications are that phosphate concentrations have not increased significantly in the region in the 30 years since sampling began; inferring that enrichment with phosphorus had already occurred by that time.

SourcesEPA ((m. Neill, C. o’ Loughlin, m. quinn, r. Smith and P. Webster); W.A. house and F. h. denison., 1998. Phosphorus dynamics in a lowland river. Water Research 32, 1819-1830; unpublished EPA biological monitoring survey data; Neill, m., 2009. River Water Quality in South-East Ireland, 2008. A report Commissioned by the County Councils of Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Tipperary (N&S), Waterford & Wexford and by Waterford City Council. EPA, Kilkenny.

� Also unlike nitrate, dissolved inorganic phosphorus interacts strongly with suspended particulate matter and sediments which can also act as a sink for this nutrient particularly in summer.

INDICATOR 4: PHOSPHATES IN RIVERS



Figure 4: Annual Average Phosphate Concentrations (mg P/l) in Rivers in 2008

Source: EPA (M. Neill, C. O’ Loughlin, M. Quinn, R. Smith and P. Webster)Carthography: EPA (A. McElwain)



Nutrient enrichment, resulting in eutrophication, is the principal pressure on lake quality in Ireland. This form of pollution is caused by inputs of nutrients, especially compounds of phosphorus and to a lesser extent nitrogen, either directly to lakes or more commonly via inflowing rivers, at concentrations in excess of natural levels (See Indicators 6 and 7). These nutrient inputs result in plant growth in lakes, particularly planktonic algal forms, whose presence is quantified by a measure of the algal pigment chlorophyll. Lake trophic status has traditionally been based on annual maximum chlorophyll values, according to a modified version of the oECd (organisation for Economic Co-operation and development) classification scheme.

The number of lakes assessed using the modified oECd scheme in the period 2006-2008 was 433 with a surface area of 1193.6 km2 and the following gives a breakdown of water quality classification.

Lake Quality 2006-2008

Trophic Status Number of Lakes Surface Area (km2)

oligotrophic

mesotrophic

227 (52.4%)

127(29.3%)

704.8 (59.0%)

374.3 (31.4%)

moderately Eutrophic 28(6.5%) 44.6 (3.7%)

highly Eutrophic

Strongly Eutrophic

9 (2.1%)

24 (5.5%)

12.9 (1.1%)

45.8 (3.8%)

hypertrophic 18 (4.2%) 11.2 (1.0%)

The majority of the lakes (354 or 81.7%) examined in the period 2006-2008 were of satisfactory quality, i.e. oligotrophic or mesotrophic status. The water quality of the remaining lakes (79 or 18.3%) was less than satisfactory. of these, 18 lakes were classified as hypertrophic, i.e. the most enriched status. The surface area of the 433 lakes examined amounted to 1193.6 km2. Lakes in the unenriched (oligotrophic/mesotrophic) status categories accounted for 1079.1 km2 (90.4%) while a further 58.7 km2 (5%) of lake surface area was classified as eutrophic and 11.2 km2 (1%) was assigned to the hypertrophic status category.

The proportion of lakes with an overall satisfactory water quality status has declined in the latest period (Figure 5): 81.7 per cent compared to 85.3 per cent in the previous period (2004-2006). The proportion of lake surface area categorised as oligotrophic for the period 2006-2008 (90.4%) is also slightly lower than for the period 2004-2006 (91.9%) while the extent in the most enriched category is down (1% compared with 3.5%).

Figure 5 Lake Water Quality 1991-2008 – Surface Area

0102030405060708090

100

1991-1994 1995-1997 1998-2000 2001-2003 2004-2006 2006-2008

Perc

enta

ge L

ake

Are

a

Oligotrophic/Mesotrophic Moderately Eutrophic Highly / Strongly Eutrophic Hypertrophic

Source: EPA (D. Tierney)

INDICATOR 5: L AKE QUALIT Y



The Water Framework directive (WFd) Lake monitoring Programme commenced in 2007 and replaces the traditional programme referred to above. In this new programme the ecological status of Irish lakes is assessed by reference to the invertebrate, plant and fish populations in lake water bodies along with the supporting general physical chemical and hydromorphology quality elements and protected area status).�

The number of lakes assessed for WFd Interim Biological Status was 271 with a surface area of 995.5 km2 and the following gives a breakdown of water quality classification.

Lake Quality – WFD Interim Status

Biological Class Number of Lakes Surface Area (km2)

high 76 (28.0%) 369.6 (37.1%)

Good 75 (27.7) 204.4 (20.5%)

moderate 94 (34.7%) 397.9 (40%)

Poor 17 (6.3%) 7.1 (0.7%)

Bad 9 (3.3%) 16.5 (1.7%)

Source: EPA (C. Bradley, G. Free, B. Kennedy, R. Little, P. McCreesh, C. Plant, W. Trodd and D. Tierney)

of the lakes examined, 151 or 55.7 per cent were in good or better status, while the remaining number, 120 or 44.3 per cent, were less than good. The surface area of the lakes examined amounted to 995.5 km2. Lakes in good or better status accounted for 574 km2 (57.6%) and the other 421.5 km2 (42.4%) of lake area was in less than good status or unsatisfactory.

The use of the more extensive WFd assessment system, in which status is determined as the poorer of a wide range of quality elements, has resulted in fewer lake water bodies being classified in high or good status, compared with the output of the traditional system which used maximum chlorophyll as the sole determinand (See footnote).

SourcesEPA (d. Tierney, G. Free, B. Kennedy, r. Little, C. Plant and W. Trodd); oECd (organisation for Economic Co-operation and development 1982), Eutrophication of Waters. Monitoring, Assessment and Control. oECd, Paris; Clabby, K.J., Bradley, C., Craig, m., daly, d., Lucey, J., mcGarrigle, m., o’Boyle, S.,Tierney, d. and Bowman, J., 2008. Water Quality in Ireland 2004-2006. EPA, Wexford.

� Biological status is based on the response of the four quality elements, Phytoplankton, Macrophytes + Phytobenthos, Macroinvertebrates and Fish, to nutrient enrichment, acidification and hydromorphological pressure including abstractions and barriers to fish migration. Phytoplankton biomass represented by Chlorophyll; Macrophytes and Fish were used for Interim Biological Status which is presented here. The main pressure considered was nutrient enrichment, but hydromorphological pressure was also considered under the biological element fish. Further details can be obtained at wfdireland.ie



The concentration of nitrate in lakes is a key quality indicator because of its enriching effect as a nutrient and because of the potential health implication of high nitrate concentration in lake waters abstracted for potable supplies.

The Eu Nitrates directive (91/676/EEC)� requires member states to take specific measures to protect surface waters and groundwater from nitrate contamination arising from agricultural activities. The Irish regulations implementing the directive, and incorporating the action plan, were enacted and published as the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 101 of 2009).�� In addition direct waste discharges, such as sewage, may also contribute to such contamination and the Eu directive on urban wastewater treatment (91/271/EEC) provides for the removal of nitrogen from such waste in certain circumstances.

No Water Framework directice (WFd) standards have, as yet, been established for nitrates in lakes or rivers. however, for reporting purposes, under the ‘Nitrates’ directive, six quality classes are included ranging from 0->50 mg No3/l. Nitrate, as Total oxidised Nitrogen (ToN), is measured in the lake monitoring programme and Figure 6 shows annual mean levels at all surveillance sites (n=75) for 2008. The lack of surveillance lake-site monitoring in the south-east reflects the lack of natural lakes, with the exception of corrie types which are largely inaccessible for sampling, in the region.

Quality Classes for Nitrate Concentrations (mg NO3/l) in Lakes (% of lake waterbodies sampled) in 2008

0-1.99 2-9.99 10-24.99 25-39.99 40-50 >50

Annual average 92.00 8.00 0 0 0 0

Annual maximum 68.00 29.33 2.67 0 0 0

All the surveillance lakes monitored in 2008 were in the lower two categories based on annual mean or average concentrations with the majority, 92 per cent (69 lakes), in the lowest range; 0-1.99 mg No3/l. The lowest values recorded, <0.2 mg No3/l, were in the following lakes in ascending order: Nasnanida (donegal); upper Lough (Kerry); Agannive (donegal); an tSeisigh (donegal); Lene (Westmeath); maumwee (Galway); derrybrick (Cavan); Barra (donegal) and Talt (Sligo). The remaining five lakes were in the 2-9.99 mg No3/l category – mostly at the lower end of the range. None of the surveillance monitoring lakes were in the other four higher-class ranges (10->50 mg No3/l) based on mean values recorded in 2008. The highest mean value recorded was in Lough derg (Tipperary), with 4.19 mg No3/l, which is more than eight times lower than the corresponding value measured for rivers (See Indicator 3: Nitrates in rivers). Lough Sheelin (Cavan) was next highest with annual average concentration of 2.92 mg No3/l followed by Annagh or White Lough (meath) with 2.65 mg No3/l, Lough muckno or Blayney (monaghan) with 2.39 mg No3/l and Lough Leane (Kerry) with 2.35 mg No3/l).

When the annual maxima were examined 68 per cent, or 51 lakes, fall into the lowest category (0-1.99 mg No3/l) and 29.3 per cent, or 22 lakes, into the next category (2-9.99 mg No3/l). The annual maxima of 20.46 mg No3/l and 10.98 mg No3/l respectively recorded for the remaining two lakes, Lough Leane (Kerry) and Lough derg (Tipperary), placed them in the 10-24.99 mg No3/l category. No annual maxima for Nitrates in lakes fell into the three highest range classes.

Based on this indicator Irish lake locations in the surveillance monitoring programme show little contamination or only very modest loading with nitrogen.

SourcesEPA (d. Tierney, G. Free, B. Kennedy, r. Little, C. Plant and W. Trodd); oECd (organisation for Economic Co-operation and development), 1982. Eutrophication of Waters. Monitoring, Assessment and Control. oECd, Paris; European Commission, 2008. ‘Nitrates’ Directive (91/676/CEE): Status and trends of aquatic environment and agricultural practice. Development Guide for Member States’ Reports. Annex: Reporting templates and formats for Geographical information and summary tables on water quality. European Commission, Brussels.

� The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) – Council Directive of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources – was adopted in 1991 and has the objective of reducing water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources.

�� These Regulations revoke, and re-enact with amendments, the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, of 2005 and 2006.

INDICATOR 6: NITR ATES IN L AKES



Figure 6: Annual Average Total Oxidised Nitrogen Concentrations (mg NO3/l) in Lakes in 2008

Source: EPA (D. Tierney, G. Free, B. Kennedy, R. Little, C. Plant and W. Trodd)Carthography: EPA (A. McElwain)



The concentration of phosphorus in lakes is a key quality indicator - because of its enriching effect as a nutrient - particularly in fresh water. Nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, are essential for plant growth, but if present in excessive amounts they can lead to a significant decrease in water quality. Phosphorus can be introduced into the aquatic environment through discharges from industrial and sewage treatment plants and the spreading of animal manure slurries as well as from chemical fertilizers or other agrichemicals leading to enrichment of waters (eutrophication). As phosphate is normally the limiting nutrient for plant growth in fresh waters it is freely removed from the water and in summer especially, the analysis of this parameter alone may not be sufficient to gauge enrichment in lakes.� macrophyte and Phytobenthos assessments of plant growth in lakes, using higher plants and diatoms, are carried out by the EPA, in addition to Phytoplankton/Chlorophyll analyses, in its surveillance monitoring programme, to complement the physico-chemical measurements.

under regulations (S.I. No. 272 of 2009), to give effect to the measures needed to achieve the environmental objectives established by the Water Framework directive (2000/60/EC), no standards for Phosphorus are set for lakes. Total phosphorus (TP), rather than molybdate reactive phosphate (mrP) as is measured in rivers, is recommended for lake monitoring. TP is an important measure of lake trophic status and TP measurements are included as part of the lakes monitoring programme. however, TP boundary conditions are yet to be established for lakes so no environmental standards have been set. To allow some gauge of water quality, likely status boundaries have been used in the table below.

Figure 7 shows annual mean TP levels at all surveillance sites (n=75) in 2008.

Quality Classes for Phosphorus Concentrations (mg P/l) in Lakes (% of lake waterbodies sampled) 2008

≤0.01 >0.010-0.025 >0.025 – 0.05 >0.05-0.1 >0.1

Annual average 25.3 56.0 10.7 6.7 1.3

Annual maximum 6.7 21.3 42.7 17.3 12.0

over three-quarters of the lakes sampled (81.3% or 61 lakes) were of good quality or better based on mean TP values in 2008. Nineteen lakes (25.3%) were in the highest quality category (≤0.01 mg P/l) with 42 lakes (56%) in the next class range (≤0.025 mg P/l). This means that some 18.7 per cent or 14 lakes were less than satisfactory in respect to enrichment by phosphorus.

The most phosphorus-enriched lake was Lough Egish, Co. monaghan (0.25 mg/l P) while the five with mean values ranging from >0.05-1.0 mg P/l, in descending order, were: White (monaghan), upper Lough Erne and oughter (Cavan), muckno (monaghan) and Templehouse (Sligo) (Figure 7).

When the annual maxima were examined 6.7 per cent, or five lakes fall into the lowest category (≤0.01 mg P/l) while 12 per cent, or nine lakes, fall into the highest category (>0.1 mg P/l).

Based on this indicator the surveillance monitoring lakes are, with the exception of 14, in at least Good quality status.

Sources: EPA (d. Tierney, G. Free, B. Kennedy, r. Little, C. Plant and W. Trodd); oECd (organisation for Economic Co-operation and development), 1982. Eutrophication of Waters. Monitoring, Assessment and Control. oECd, Paris.

� Also unlike nitrate, dissolved inorganic phosphorus interacts strongly with sediments which can also act as a sink for this nutrient particularly in summer.

INDICATOR 7: PHOSPHATES IN L AKES



Figure 7: Annual Average Total Phosphorus Concentrations (mg P/l) in Lakes in 2008

Source: EPA (D. Tierney, G. Free, B. Kennedy, R. Little, C. Plant and W. Trodd)Carthography: EPA (A. McElwain)



Waterways Ireland is responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterway system throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes. It is currently responsible for the Barrow Navigation, the Erne System, the Grand Canal, the Lower Bann Navigation, the royal Canal, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Shannon Navigation. Water quality monitoring of the canals in the republic of Ireland is undertaken, on behalf of Waterways Ireland, by the Central Fisheries Board (CFB).

The main canal systems, the royal and Grand Canals and sections of the Shannon-Erne Waterway have been identified as Artificial Water Bodies (AWBs) under the Water Framework directive (WFd).� They are required to achieve good ecological potential (GEP) rather than good ecological status. Ecological potential, means that the water body is managed to achieve the biology that can be attained given its artificial nature. For classification purposes the ecological potential can be maximum, good, moderate, poor or bad.

The interim classification of ecological potential for Irish canals, based on chemical, biological and hydromorphological data, has been assessed as follows:

Canal Water Body (River Basin District) Interim Statusroyal Canal main Line (Eastern) Good Ecological Potentialroyal Canal main Line East of Lough owel (Shannon) Good Ecological Potentialroyal Canal main Line West of Lough owel (Shannon) <GEP (under restoration)royal Canal Lough owel Feeder (Shannon) Good Ecological PotentialGrand Canal main Line East of Lowtown (Eastern) Good Ecological PotentialGrand Canal main Line East of Lowtown (South Eastern) Good Ecological PotentialGrand Canal main Line West of Lowtown (South Eastern) Good Ecological PotentialGrand Canal main Line West of Lowtown (Eastern) Good Ecological PotentialGrand Canal main Line (Shannon) Good Ecological PotentialGrand Canal Naas & Corbally Branch (Eastern) Good Ecological PotentialGrand Canal Edenderry Branch (Eastern) Good Ecological PotentialGrand Canal milltown Feeder & old Barrow Line (South Eastern) Good Ecological PotentialGrand Canal Barrow Line (South Eastern) Good Ecological Potential

The 2007 and 2008 monitoring results for the royal and Grand Canals indicated good ecological potential corroborating the good water quality noted in these waters overall in the period 2004-2006 (Figure 8). The Grand Canal displayed good ecological potential in all sections despite elevated levels of phosphorus (TP and mrP) being recorded in some feeder streams. Efforts to identify sources of contamination in problem feeder streams are undertaken in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. Nutrient and coliform values in the royal Canal were within threshold limits and chlorophyll levels in both sections indicated mesotrophic status on all sampling occasions. The river sections of the two waterways showed contrasting water quality results. While the water quality status of the main channel sites of the Barrow Navigation was satisfactory some of the tributary sites continued to display less than good water quality as a result of municipal discharges and diffuse agricultural pollution; reflecting its open river nature with towns such as Athy, Bagenalstown and Goresbridge along its course. A fish kill occurred at Athy in 2004 and again in 2008 (See Indicator 9: Fish Kills). The water quality of the Shannon-Erne Waterway was good with river nutrient sample results below the maximum levels and chlorophyll measurements at the lake and canal sites indicating a mesotrophic status. In contrast to the Barrow Navigation, the lack of development along this system is evident in terms of its good water quality status.

overall water quality of the canal system in Ireland is good with all sections of the royal and Grand Canals having relatively low annual mean values for nutrients, as well as being compliant with mandatory requirements of Bathing Water directive (76/160/EEC) for faecal coliform levels, in all years between 2004 and 2008.

SourcesCentral Fisheries Board, 2005. Fisheries Development Programme for Waterways Ireland. Report - July 2003 to December 2004. Waterways Ireland and Central Fisheries Board; Central Fisheries Board, 2006. Fisheries Development Programme for Waterways Ireland. Report - 2005. Waterways Ireland and Central Fisheries Board. Waterways Ireland and the Central Fisheries Board, 2008. Report on the Interim Classification of Ecological Potential and Identification of Measures for Ireland’s Artificial Water Bodies (AWBs). Waterways Ireland and the Central Fisheries Board for the Surface Water Status Group; Central Fisheries Board, 2009. Fisheries development Programme for Waterways Ireland: Appendices to the report for July 2007 to december 2008; Waterways Ireland (C. mcCarthy) and Central Fisheries Board (T. Gallagher).

� AWB is defined in Article 1 of the WFD as ‘a body of water created by human activity’. Annex V of the Directive sets outs requirements for ecological potential. Good chemical status must be achieved.

INDICATOR 8: CANAL QUALIT Y



Figure 8 Annual mean values for four parameters in the Grand Canal and Royal Canal sections in the period 2004-2008. Prior to 2005 chlorophyll analysis was not carried out on samples

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

mg

P/l

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0.06

Royal Canal EastRoyal Canal WestNaas LineBarrow LineGrand Canal EastGrand Canal West

Total Phosphorus (TP)

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

mg

NO

3/l

05

101520253035404550


Total Oxidised Nitrogen (TON)

2005 2006 2007 2008

µg/m

3

0

5

10

15

20

25


Chlorophyll

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Num

bers

per

100

ml

0

200

400

600

800

1000


Faecal Coliforms

Sources: Central Fisheries Board (T. Gallagher) and Waterways Ireland (C. McCarthy)



The presence of healthy fish stocks, particularly salmon and trout, in rivers and lakes is considered to be an indicator of good water quality. The demise of these fish, on the other hand, is a very striking manifestation of serious pollution. very low or zero oxygen concentration in water is the principal cause of fish kills in Ireland. These conditions can be brought about by anthropogenic inputs of organic matter to water or may result from excessive plant growth.

data on fish kills in Ireland are compiled annually by the Central Fisheries Board, based on returns from the regional Fisheries Boards. In 2007, 22 fish kills were reported while in 2008 the number was 34. Based on investigations carried out by fisheries board environmental staff the following causes were attributed:

Agriculture Industry Local Authority

Eutrophication Other Unknown Total

2007 4 2 10 2 3 1 22

2008 8 3 6 4 6 7 34

The breakdown among regional Fisheries Board areas of fish kills in 2007 and 2008 is given in Figure 9a where it can be seen that the highest number (9) occurred in the Northern region and the lowest number (1) was recorded in the North Western region. There were no fish kills reported in the Western region in 2007.

As well as resulting from agricultural, industrial and sewage waste entering water bodies, fish can be killed by other causes, such as aluminium discharges from waterworks, as is illustrated by the following regional example. In the South Western regional Fisheries Board area, covering Cork and Kerry, four and three fish kills respectively were recorded in 2007 and 2008 compared with the known eight in 2006. In 2007 investigations confirmed the cause in two of these (algal bloom and waterworks chemical) with the other two suspected to have resulted also from water chemical treatment discharge and agricultural herbicide. A successful prosecution was taken against the Local Authority in the fish kill resulting from the release of chemical from a water works. In one incident some 2,000 brown trout were killed. That fishery board alone received and investigated 278 environmental complaints in 2007 and 217 in 2008. As well as agriculture and local authority discharges one of the biggest issues was the destruction of salmonid spawning and nursery grounds, in a number of rivers and streams in the region, by the removal of river-bed material while another was construction activities discharges leading to siltation.

A fish kill occurred in two rivers in north Kerry (Glashoreag and Smearlagh) in August 2008 as a result of a bog-slide in which an estimated 5,000 fish perished, due to smothering effects, most of which were juvenile salmon and sea trout. In 2003 a similar peat-slide event occurred at derrybrien, in county Galway, which also resulted in fish deaths.

Although canals in Ireland have generally good water quality (See Indicator 8: Canal quality) occasional fish kills have occurred as in the Grand Canal Barrow Line at Athy in december 2008. A major fish kill had occurred there in November 2004 also as a result of an industrial discharge.

A marked upsurge in fish kills had occurred in Irish rivers in the 1970s coinciding with the intensification of agriculture. In response to this situation, a nationwide public information campaign was launched and an enforcement strategy was put in place by the regional Fisheries Boards and Local Authorities.

The trend in fish kills over the past 23 years (Figure 9b) shows that the years 1987 and 1989 were the worst with in excess of 100 fish kills reported annually while 2007, with less than one-fifth their totals, had the least number. The number of such events in 2007 and 2008 show a reduction relative to 2004 and 2005 when 43 and 45 respectively were recorded while 2006 and 2008 had the same number reported.

A fish kill is a sign of catastrophic ecosystem disruption and, while the situation appears to have stabilised somewhat, the number of reported fish kills, at 34 in 2008, remains unacceptably high.

Sources:regional Fisheries Boards data as collated by the Central Fisheries Board (S. doyle); South Western regional Fisheries Board, 2007. The South Western Regional Fisheries Board 2007 Annual Report. South Western regional Fisheries Board, macroom. South Western regional Fisheries Board, 2008. The South Western Regional Fisheries Board 2008 Annual Report. South Western regional Fisheries Board, macroom; Central Fisheries Board, 2009. Fisheries Development Programme for Waterways Ireland: Appendices to the report for July 2007 to december 2008.

INDICATOR 9: FISH KILL S



Figure 9a Fish Kills by Region in 2007 and 2008

2007 2008

Num

ber

of R

epor

ted

Fish

Kill

s

0123456789

10

North WesternWesternShannonSouth WesternSouthernEasternNorthern

Source: Regional Fisheries Boards

Figure 9b Fish Kills 1986-2008

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

20082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986

Source: Regional Fisheries Boards



The water quality of estuarine and coastal waters is assessed using the EPA’s Trophic Status Assessment Scheme (TSAS). The scheme, which was designed to detect the occurrence of eutrophication in estuarine and nearshore waters, is based on relevant measures of water quality.

The trophic status of 89 water bodies from 32 estuarine and coastal areas around Ireland was assessed for the period 2006-2008. The assessment of these waters shows that seven (8%) were classed as eutrophic, seven (8%) as potentially eutrophic, 40 (45%) as intermediate and 35 (39%) were unpolluted.

The results of this assessment indicate an improvement in overall water quality with six fewer water bodies being classed as eutrophic when compared to the previous assessment (Figure 10a). These include the Blackwater estuary (upper and lower) and the owenacurra estuary, now classed as potentially eutrophic, the rogerstown estuary and Wexford harbour, which have improved to intermediate and the upper Lee (Tralee estuary), which is now classed as unpolluted. A further four water bodies have improved to unpolluted status and these include Kinsale harbour, the Cashen estuary, the Garavogue estuary and Sligo harbour.

Figure 10a Estuarine and Coastal Water Quality - Percentage of Water Bodies in Each Class 1995-2008

Eutrophic Potentially Eutrophic Intermediate Unpolluted

Perc

enta

ge o

f W

ater

Bod

ies

0

10

20

30

40

50

2006-20082002-20061999-20031995-1999

The location and classification of the individual estuarine and coastal water bodies is shown in Figure 10b. As can be seen from this figure all of the eutrophic or potentially eutrophic areas are to be found along the east and south coasts with the majority of unpolluted water bodies located on the west and north-west coasts.

A total of 11 water bodies have shown a decline in quality. The middle Suir estuary is now classed as eutrophic, while Inner dundalk Bay, Barrow Nore estuary upper and the North Channel Great Island are now considered to be potentially eutrophic. The remaining seven water bodies are now intermediate, having previously been classed as unpolluted.

The number of areas included in this assessment has increased in recent years mainly due to the implementation of the Water Framework directive. As such the proportion of water bodies in each status category is likely to be broadly representative of trophic condition in Irish estuarine and coastal waters as a whole.

one of the components of TSAS is based on assessing the amount of dissolved oxygen present in the aquatic environment. When oxygen levels decline as a result of pollution they can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms. When oxygen concentrations become very low they are described as either hypoxic, when levels fall below 2 mg o2/l, or anoxic, when there is ‘no-oxygen’ present. According to a recent EPA study, oxygen conditions in Irish estuarine and coastal waters compare more than favourably with other countries. The study found that the vast majority of waters surveyed (99.4 per cent, representing a surface area of 3,125 km2) had satisfactory oxygen conditions capable of supporting nearly all forms of aquatic life. Furthermore, no evidence of hypoxia or anoxia was found. Nevertheless 10 areas representing a surface area of just over 20 km2 were found to have lowered levels of oxygen.

Further improvements in oxygen conditions are likely to result from upgraded waste water treatment. At the end of 2007, however, waste water was still being discharged with either no treatment or basic treatment at 112 locations around Ireland, with the majority of these discharging directly to estuarine or coastal waters. Although plans are in place for the provision of secondary treatment at many locations significant towns such as Bray (Co. Wicklow), Killybegs (Co. donegal), Shanganagh (dun Laoghaire rathdown), Clifden (Co. Galway) and Kinsale (Co. Cork), are still without this level of treatment.

SourcesEPA (S. o’Boyle, r. Wilkes and G. mcdermott); EPA, 2009. Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland for Population Equivalents Greater than 500 persons - A Report for the Years 2006 and 2007. EPA, Wexford. o’Boyle, S., mcdermott, G. and Wilkes, r, 2009. dissolved oxygen levels in estuarine and coastal waters around Ireland. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58, 1657-1663.

INDICATOR 10: ESTUARINE AND COASTAL WATER QUALIT Y - TROPHIC S TATUS



Figure 10b Estuarine and Coastal Water Quality 2006-2008

Source: EPA (S. O’Boyle, R. Wilkes and G. McDermott)



As is the case for rivers and lakes, multiple biological elements are also being used to assess the ecological status of transitional and coastal waters for Water Framework directive (WFd) purposes. The biological quality elements (BqEs) being used for WFd status assessment are phytoplankton (biomass and bloom frequency), aquatic flora (rocky shore seaweed biodiversity and opportunistic macroalgal abundance) and fish (structure of the fish community).

A total of 101 transitional and coastal areas were assessed using biological quality elements. Just under 60 per cent of these were classed as either high (29.7%) or good (29.7%) with the remainder being classed as moderate or worse. Figure 11a shows the proportion of water bodies by number and surface area in each biological status class.

Figure 11a. WFD Interim Biological Classification: Proportion of Monitored Water Bodies in Each Status Class. by Number (left) and Surface Area (right)

High 29.7%

Good 29.7%

Moderate 28.7%

Poor 10.9%

Bad 1.0%

High 72.6%

Good 14.6%

Moderate 11.0%

Poor 1.6%

Bad 0.2%

The following tabulation gives the breakdown of biological status with the contribution of each biological parameter to overall status. As these biological classification tools are only just being implemented many do not have the resolution to classify below moderate and are presented as ‘moderate or worse’.

BQE Phytoplankton Aquatic Flora Fish

Parameter Status

Number of Water Bodies

Biomass (Chlorophyll)

Bloom Frequency

Macroalgae Biodiversity

(RSL)

Opportunistic Species

Community Structure

high 30 56 13 12 1 1

Good 30 22 1 5 1 19

moderate or worse

41 16 2 0 7 22

The overall biological status as well as the biological parameter causing a water body to be at less than high status is shown in Figure 11b.

In 12 water bodies, sufficient information was available to classify at either poor or bad status. Those at poor status for fish included Lough mahon and the Lee, owenacurra and Glashaboy estuaries in Cork, the upper Liffey in dublin and the Lee estuary in Kerry. Three coastal lagoons, Lough Tanai, Lough an tSaile and Kilkeran lake, were also classified as poor for fish species. The Argideen estuary was classified at poor status for opportunistic macroalgal abundance. The only water body classified as bad was the Kinvarra Bay lagoons based on the fish community.

It should be pointed out, that with the exception of phytoplankton biomass, which has been monitored for a number of years, confidence in classification of the ‘newer’ biological indicators at this early stage is moderate to low.

SourcesEPA (S. o’ Boyle, r. Wilkes and G. mcdermott) and Central Fisheries Board (F. Kelly)

INDICATOR 11: ESTUARINE AND COASTAL WATER QUALIT Y – BIOLOGICAL S TATUS



Figure 11b Estuarine and Coastal Water Biological Status 2006-2008. Overall biological status. Coloured dot indicates biological quality of monitored water bodies. Numbers indicate which of the Biological

parameters is causing a water body to be at less than high status



As in freshwaters excessive levels of nutrients in estuarine and coastal waters can result in eutrophication. While phosphorus can limit plant growth in freshwater and estuarine systems nitrogen is considered to be the limiting nutrient in open coastal waters not significantly influenced by freshwater run-off. The concentration of nitrogen as dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (dIN)� is monitored in winter when levels are expected to be at their seasonal maximum due to the absence of any significant plant or algal growth. In terms of absolute concentration, over half (56%) of estuaries and coastal waters around Ireland had dIN median winter values less than 1.0 mg N/l. The highest concentrations were found in the Glashaboy estuary (7.1 mg N/l), upper and lower Slaney estuary (5.0 and 4.3 mg N/l, respectively), upper Bandon estuary (5.0 value mg N/l), the owenacurra estuary (4.2 mg N/l) and the upper Barrow estuary (4.3 mg N/l) (Figure 12).

due to the diluting capacity of seawater these observations are also presented as the percentage deviation from salinity-related assessment levels as is shown in Figure 12. These assessment levels have been defined in the EPA’s Trophic Status Assessment Scheme (TSAS) which is used to assess the water quality of estuarine and coastal waters around Ireland (see Indicator 10). of the 89 water bodies assessed, 35 breached the winter dIN assessment criterion. The highest exceedances (greater than 100%) were observed in the upper Liffey estuary, the Glashaboy estuary, the Colligan estuary, lower Bandon estuary, owenacurra estuary, upper and lower Slaney estuary, Boyne estuary and Lough mahon.Based on winter median values the following quality classes for dIN concentrations (mg/l N) in transitional and coastal waters were computed for each water body for 2006-2008.

Class (mg N/l) < 0.25 >0.25< 2.6 >2.6< 5.0 > 5.0 <10.0 > 10.0

Transitional (Estuarine) waters

Number (n) 8 39 13 2 0

Percentage (%) 12.9 62.9 21.0 3.2 0.0

Coastal Waters

Number (n) 15 12 0 0 0

Percentage (%) 55.6 44.4 0.0 0.0 0.0

under regulations (S.I. No. 272 of 2009), to give effect to the standards needed to achieve the environmental objectives established by the Water Framework directive (2000/60/EC), the following salinity-related standards for dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (dIN) are given for coastal waters (at a salinity of 34.5): high Status ≤0.17 mg N/l; Good Status ≤0.25 mg N/l (median, summer or winter). Five coastal areas, dublin Bay, inner and outer Cork harbour malahide Bay and youghal Bay failed to comply with the environmental quality standard (EqS) for dIN. of the remaining coastal water bodies 15 were at high status and seven were at good status with respect to winter dIN levels.

under the ‘Nitrates directive’ Ireland will be required to report on nitrate concentration in transitional (estuarine) and coastal waters.

SourcesEPA (S. o’Boyle, r. Wilkes and G. mcdermott); Neill, m., 2005. A method to determine which nutrient is limiting for plant growth in estuarine waters—at any salinity. Marine Pollution Bulletin 50, 945-955; European Commission, 2008. ‘Nitrates’ Directive (91/676/CEE): Status and trends of aquatic environment and agricultural practice. Development Guide for Member States’ Reports. Annex: Reporting templates and formats for Geographical information and summary tables on water quality. European Commission, Brussels

� DIN (Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen) = nitrite + nitrate + ammonia. Note that here nitrate is expressed as N rather than NO3 as in other indicators in this report; there is a four-fold difference in numerical terms between the two expressions.

INDICATOR 12: NITR ATES IN ESTUARINE AND COASTAL WATERS



Figure 12 Winter Nitrate Levels in Estuarine and Coastal Waters 2006-2008 showing percentage exceedances, above and below assessment level (left) and median values (right) at various locations

Winter DIN (mg N/l) median valuesWinter DIN % exceedances




The strong influence of freshwater rich in nitrogen flowing into estuarine systems means that plant growth in many can be limited by the availability of phosphorus. The concentration of phosphorus as molybdate reactive Phosphate (mrP) is monitored in winter when levels are expected to be high in the absence of any significant biological uptake by plants and algae. Levels are also monitored in summer to capture the potential effect of seasonal changes in river flow on mrP concentration.

In terms of absolute concentration the majority (85%) of estuaries and coastal waters had mrP median winter and summer values less than 0.040 mg P/l (Figure 13), with half of these having levels less than 0.020 mg P/l. The highest winter mrP concentrations were found in inner Tralee Bay (0.066 mg P/l), the Castletown estuary (0.060 mg P/l), the Cashen estuary (0.059 mg P/l) the lower Slaney estuary (0.055 mg P/l) and the Lee (Tralee) estuary (0.048 mg P/l) in Co. Kerry. In summer the highest concentrations were found in the upper Liffey estuary (0.073 mg P/l), the deel estuary (0.072 mg P/l), the rogerstown estuary (0.053 mg P/l) the Nore estuary (0.053 mg P/l) and the upper Blackwater estuary (0.052 mg P/l).

The following quality classes for mrP concentrations (mg P/l) in transitional and coastal waters were computed for each water body for 2006-2008.

Class (mg/l P) < 0.020 >0.020< 0.040 >0.040< 0.060 > 0.060

Transitional waters (winter)

Number (n) 16 36 8 2

Percentage (%) 25.8 58.1 12.9 3.2

Coastal waters (winter)

Number (n) 10 15 2 0

Percentage (%) 37.0 55.6 7.4 0.0

Transitional waters (summer)

Number (n) 27 24 9 2

Percentage (%) 43.5 38.7 14.5 3.2

Coastal waters (summer)

Number (n) 24 3 0 0

Percentage (%) 88.9 11.1 0.0 0.0

These observations are also presented as the degree of deviation from salinity-related assessment levels (established as part of TSAS – see indicator 10). Furthermore an environmental quality standard (EqS) based on mrP and equivalent to that used in TSAS (See Indicator 10) has been established for estuarine (transitional) waters with good status being achieved if the median (summer or winter) mrP concentration is ≤0.060 (at salinity 0.0 – 17.0) and ≤0.040 (at salinity 35.0) (S.I. No. 272 of 2009).

only two of the 89 water bodies assessed breached the winter mrP criterion and therefore the EqS for mrP. more water bodies were in breach of the EqS in summer than in winter and these included the upper Liffey estuary, Broadmeadow water, the Tolka, deel and rogerstown estuaries.

SourcesEPA (S. o’Boyle, r. Wilkes and G. mcdermott); Neill, m., 2005. A method to determine which nutrient is limiting for plant growth in estuarine waters—at any salinity. Marine Pollution Bulletin 50, 945-955.

INDICATOR 13: PHOSPHATES IN ESTUARINE AND COASTAL WATERS



Figure 13 Winter Phosphate Levels in Estuarine and Coastal Waters 2006-2008 showing percentage exceedances, above and below assessment level, (left) and median values (right) at various locations

Winter MRP (µg P/l) median valuesWinter MRP % exceedances




(See also Indicator 15: quality of Shellfish Waters - Water quality)

The Irish molluscan shellfish industry (i.e. mussels, oysters, clams, scallops and other molluscan shellfish) was estimated to be worth some €47 million in 2007. These bivalve molluscan shellfish can accumulate micro-organisms when grown in sewage contaminated water and if eaten raw or lightly cooked can present a public health risk for consumers.

In order to ensure the quality of shellfish for human consumption, controls are placed on the waters used for shellfish cultivation and harvesting. From 1 January 2006, the controls are driven by EC hygiene regulations ‘laying down specific rules for food of animal origin’ (Nos. 852/853/854 of 2004). The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which was set up on 1 January 2007 (S.I. No. 376 of 2006), is the competent authority in Ireland for classifying shellfish production areas.�

A shellfish sanitation monitoring programme, based on a number of parameters including microbiological criteria, levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli), for classifying shellfish-growing waters has been in operation in Ireland since 1985. The scheme of classification has three categories, in addition to a prohibited one, and the criteria for the classification of shellfish (bivalve molluscs) harvesting areas, under EC regulations (No. 854/2004; No. 853/2004; No. 2073/2005), can be summarised as follows:

Classification E. coli per 100g of live bivalve mollusc flesh and intra-valvular fluid1

Treatment required

Class A <230 None

Class B <4600 Purification, relaying in class A area or cooking by an approved method

Class C <46000 relaying for a long period (2 months) to meet Class A or B requirements/or heat treatment by an approved method

Prohibited >46000 harvesting not permitted

1Five-tube, three-dilution most Probable Number (mPN) test

In addition to meeting the microbiological criteria, shellfish harvesting may only take place from areas that are assigned ‘open’ status under the National Biotoxin monitoring Programme which is co-ordinated by the marine Institute. The shellfish production areas are monitored, on a weekly or monthly basis, for the presence of phytoplankton and marine biotoxins.��

As well as causing illness in humans who consume affected shellfish some blooms can indirectly kill shellfish and other marine life. The extent of harmful phytoplankton events in Irish waters was significantly reduced in 2007 compared with the previous two years. For example in 2005 an exceptional bloom of a dinoflagellate (Karenia mikimotoi), not of direct human health significance, had caused substantial stock losses to producers as shellfish died off due to oxygen depletion of the water, e.g. shellfish were killed in west Kerry coastal waters as a result of a harmful Algal Bloom (hAB) event in July-August 2005.

The intense localised protracted toxicity present in the south-west region in 2006 caused severe impact and large-scale economic losses there. There were 23 site closures in 2008 compared with 20 in 2007. The results of the harmful phytoplankton and biotoxin monitoring programmes and the current status of shellfish production areas are published at: www.marine.ie/habs.

Biological and chemical methods are employed for the detection of Amnesic Shellfish Poisons (ASP), Azaspiracid Shellfish Poisons (AZP), diarrhetic Shellfish Poisons (dSP) and Paralytic Shellfish Poisons (PSP). In 2008, some 32 per cent of all bioassay mussel (Mytilus edulis) samples were positive compared with less than 17 per cent, almost half of that proportion, in 2007. The following is the tabulated percentage of bioassay samples found positive in the years between 1998 and 2008.

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

mussel bioassay samples positive (%)

2.5 11.2 32.7 26.7 6.03 5.89 5.06 25.8 29.3 16.5 32.3

Figure 14 shows the number of shellfish sites, as a percentage of total, in the three classes between the 1991-94 period and 2008. No reclassification of shellfish-growing areas was undertaken in 2007 so the classification is the same as for 2006. It

� The Authority enforces sea-fisheries law generally and food safety law relating to fish or fishery products and is responsible for implementing the EU hygiene regulations. Shellfish production areas are classified under these regulations.

�� Samples of shellfish species are analysed for the presence of marine biotoxins by biological and chemical methods in accordance with EC Regulations (No. 853/2004; No. 2074/2005; No. 1664/2006).

INDICATOR 14: QUALIT Y OF SHELLFISH WATERS – SHELLFISH QUALIT Y



should be noted that percentages do not necessarily add up to 100 as sites with more than one class are omitted.� In 2008 a new code of practice on microbiological monitoring was implemented in which three years’ data were used; prior to which classifications were determined every six months based on the previous year’s data. The 2008 Classification of Bivalve mollusc Production Areas in Ireland completed in June 2008 Classified 102 Production areas, 27 (26%) Classified as A, 12 (12%) Classified as Seasonal A and 63 (62%) as B classification.

Figure 14 Classification of Shellfish Areas

A = Can be sold for direct human consumption

C = Can be sold for human consumption following relaying (long period) or cooking by an approved method

B = Can be sold for human consumption following purification or cooking by an approved method

Perc

enta

ge o

f Sh

ellfi

sh S

ites

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

20082007200620052004200320001998-991991-94

Source: Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (J. Carney and B. Nolan)

The code of practice allows for seasonal classifications to be given in areas where the data shows a clear seasonal trend in E. coli levels over the three year period. Twelve such seasonal classifications were given in 2008. Even though 2008 had a 10 per cent increase on the number of microbiological samples taken in 2007, a significant reduction, 25 per cent, in the number of elevated results was recorded.

The status of all shellfish production areas is constantly updated and is available at: www.sfpa.ie.

SourcesSea-Fisheries Protection Authority (J. Carney and B. Nolan); Lyons, d. and doré, B., 2006. Shellfish Microbiology – Implementation of the Hygiene Regulations and Good Practice Guide. Proceedings of the 7th Irish Shellfish Safety Workshop, Galway, 30th November 2006, 4-7. organised by the marine Institute, Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Bord Iascaigh mhara; moran, S., Silke, J., Gallardo-Salas, r., Chamberlain, T., Lyons, J. and Shannon, S., 2006. Review of Phytoplankton Monitoring 2006. Proceedings of the 7th Irish Shellfish Safety Workshop, Galway, 30th November 2006, 30-36. organised by the marine Institute, Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Bord Iascaigh mhara; devilly, L., Fitzgerald, o., Silke, J., mcmahon, T. and Ó Cinneide, m., 2007. Review of Shellfish Toxicity in Ireland 2007. Proceedings of the 8th Irish Shellfish Safety Workshop, Galway, 5th december 2007, 28-35. organised by the marine Institute, Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Bord Iascaigh mhara; hensen, m., 2007. The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and the Microbiological Monitoring of Shellfish Production Areas in Ireland. Proceedings of the 8th Irish Shellfish Safety Workshop, Galway, 5th december 2007, 4-7. organised by the marine Institute, Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Bord Iascaigh mhara; Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), 2008. Code of Practice for the Microbiological Monitoring of Bivale Production Areas. SFPA, Clonakilty (http://www.sfpa.ie/EN/Seafood+Safety/microbiological+CoP.htm).; Browne, r., deegan, B., Watson, L., mac Giolla Bhride, d., Norman, m., Ó Cinnéide, m., Jackson, d. and o’Carroll, T., (Eds.) 2008. Status of Irish Aquaculture 2007. report compiled by: mErC Consultants Ltd. Údarás na Gaeltachta, Bord Iascaigh mhara and marine Institute; Clarke, d., duffy, C., Silke, J. and devilly, L., 2009. A Review of Shellfish Toxicity Monitoring in Ireland for 2008. Proceedings of the 9th Irish Shellfish Safety Workshop (Eds. m. Gilmartin and J. Silke), Kenmare, 20th march 2009. organised by the marine Institute, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and Bord Iascaigh mhara. Marine Environment and Health Series No. 37; dore, B. and Nolan, B., 2009. Review of the Shellfish Microbiology Monitoring Programme 2008. Proceedings of the 9th Irish Shellfish Safety Workshop (Eds. m. Gilmartin and J. Silke), Kenmare, 20 th march 2009. organised by the marine Institute, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and Bord Iascaigh mhara. Marine Environment and Health Series No. 37.

� In 2008 and 2006/2007, 26 and 25 per cent respectively of all sites were Class A waters compared to 30 the previous year but this is much less than the proportion in the 1991-94 period (55%). The downward trend in Class A waters appeared to have halted in 2004 with a slight upward swing in the following year but was down again in 2006. There were no Class C waters recorded in the latest three years but a part of one shellfish harvesting area, in Wexford Harbour, was in this category in 2006/7.



(See also Indicator 14: quality of Shellfish Waters – Shellfish quality)

In accordance with Council directive 2006/113/EC, on the quality required of shellfish waters (codified version of directive 79/923/EEC)),� seawater and shellfish samples were taken from designated shellfish waters during 2007 and 2008 and analysed for trace metals and organohalogens. The directive aims to protect and/or improve the quality of coastal and brackish water bodies in which shellfish live, in order to contribute to the quality of edible shellfish products. directive 73/923/EEC was originally transposed into Irish law in 1994 (S.I. No. 200 of 1994) when 14 shellfish waters were designated. This was then amended in 2001 (S.I. No. 459 of 2001 when further action programmes for each shellfishery were established. As of November 2008 the department of the Environment, heritage and Local Government has been responsible for the implementation of the directive. New regulations (S.I. No. 55 of 2009) provide for the designation of an additional 49 shellfish waters bringing the total to 63 at which environmental quality parameters/parameter groups must be monitored. Figure 15 shows the locations where shellfish (2 species of oyster and 1 of mussel, clam and cockle) were sampled in 2008.

In 2007 and 2008 all pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in seawater were below limits of detection. The trace metal results varied substantially, as would be expected for seawater, and in some samples individual results for copper, chromium, lead, nickel and zinc were elevated.�� Levels of lead, nickel and zinc in one sample collected from mulroy Bay exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for shellfish waters (S.I. No. 268 of 2006).

These substances are also monitored annually in shellfish flesh as this provides a better indicator of overall water quality than low frequency spot sampling of water. In accordance with oSPAr monitoring guidelines mussels and oysters are the preferred species. This monitoring typically shows Irish shellfish growing waters to be of high quality with respect to the substances monitored.

In 2007 mussel and/or oyster, and in one instance clam, samples were collected from 27 locations where shellfish are harvested. These samples were analysed for the nine trace metals required under the shellfish waters directive (2006/113/EC). Samples for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and organochlorine pesticide (oCP) analysis were selected from 12 sites based on anticipated pressures and previous results.

In 2008 mussel and/or oyster samples, and in some instances manilla clam, razor clam and cockle samples, were collected (94 samples) where shellfish are harvested. These samples were analysed for the nine trace metals required under the shellfish waters directive (2006/113/EC). Analysis of PCBs and oCPs (organochlorine pesticides) was carried out on 60 samples. European Commission regulation (EC) No. 629/2008 which applies from 2nd July 2008, amending Commission regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006/EC, sets maximum levels for mercury, cadmium and lead in bivalve molluscs.

Trace metal concentrations in all samples from 2007 and 2008 were within EC maximum limits for mercury, cadmium and lead. All samples were also within guide values for metals and PCBs in shellfish flesh as set in S.I. No. 268 of 2006, with the exception of total arsenic in two samples of Pacific oyster (Crassaotrea gigas), which marginally exceeded the relevant value (mannin Bay and dungloe, 2008) and nickel in a sample of cockles�� (Cerastoderma edule) from dundalk Bay (2008).

Pollution reduction Plans are being established for each of the designated shellfish growing areas. results from the monitoring programmes will feed into the Pollution reduction Plans and inform decision making during the process.

Sourcesmarine Institute (E. mcGovern and L. Tyrrell); dore, B., 2009. Understanding the Shellfish Waters Directive. Proceedings of the 9th Irish Shellfish Safety Workshop (Eds. m. Gilmartin and J. Silke), Kenmare, 20 th march 2009. organised by the marine Institute, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and Bord Iascaigh mhara. Marine Environmment and Health Series No. 37.

� This directive aims to protect or improve the quality of shellfish growing waters. It applies to bivalve molluscs and gastropods and sets out physical, chemical and microbiological water quality requirements that designated shellfish waters must comply with.

�� Individual results in themselves do not imply a breach of the standards as these standards apply as annual average concentrations.

��Cockles do not form part of the routine monitoring. The higher concentration of nickel may be species specific.

INDICATOR 15: QUALIT Y OF SHELLFISH WATERS – WATER QUALIT Y



Figure 15 Locations where Oysters (Crassostrea gigas and Ostrea edulis), Mussel (Mytilus edulis), Clam (Ensis siliqua) and Cockle (Cerasastoderma edule) were sampled in 2008

Source: Marine Institute



responsibility for the investigation of pollution incidents at sea rests with the Irish Coast Guard (IrCG), a division within the department of Transport, as part of its role in developing and co-ordinating an effective regime for marine pollution response. The IrCG’s functions regarding pollution incidents are mandated through Government policy, national legislation (e.g. Sea Pollution Acts, 1991 and 1999), Eu directives and International Conventions. In 2006 Ireland was invited to become a contracting party to the Bonn Agreement for Cooperation in dealing with Pollution of the North Sea by oil and other harmful Substances. The IrCG provides a response to marine pollution incidents or threat of pollution from ships and offshore platforms within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which covers an area (approx. 200, 000 km2) stretching to 200 miles off the west coast and to the median line between Ireland and the uK in the Irish and Celtic Seas.

The number of reported annual pollution incidents in the eight-year period 2001-2008 is given in Figure 16.

The total number of incidents reported by category of pollution in the EEZ in 2007 and 2008 was:

Mineral Oil Garbage Sewage Chemicals Other Total

2007 43 - 2 2 7 54

2008 29 - - - 16 45

The total number of incidents reported by category of pollution in the Irish EEZ in 2007 was 54 and 45 in 2008. Although the amount of reported incidents was down in 2008, they were potentially more serious. There were no incidents involving crude oil in either year with the vast majority identified as the category made up of bunker, diesel, fuel and gas oils.

Further analysis of the figures indicates that in some 68 per cent of incidents reported in 2007, oil spillage was identified as the cause while almost 7.5 per cent were caused by sewage and chemicals with the remaining 24.5 per cent attributed to other substances. diesel and gas oil spills made up roughly 58 per cent of the overall total and occurred in the smaller harbours and their surrounding areas. In both years some 29 per cent of incidents were reported in the open sea, which is the same proportion as for 2006 also. The estimated number of incidents occurring in the open sea is by its nature a conservative one as the IrCG has no dedicated aerial surveillance capacity and relies on reports from shipping and commercial air traffic for such incidents. In 2008 three reports came via the European maritime Safety Agency (EmSA) satellite. The great majority of oil discharge events in both years were in the 1-455 litre volume category although two in 2008 were 1000-50000 litres (1-50 tonnes) and one in 2007 was 456-999 litres. The number of reported oil pollution events that beached on the shoreline was respectively two and five, in 2007 and 2008, with the extent in all cases ≤1.6 km. during 2008, six incidents were reported involving oiled birds.

The distribution of received reports of pollution in 2007 and 2008, arranged according to marine environmental zone within the EEZ was:

Open Sea Tidal River/Estuary

Bay/Nearshore

Waters

Beach/Shore Port/Harbour Total

2007 16 7 13 3 15 54

2008 13 5 6 8 13 45

The breakdown of pollution sources in the two years was as follows:

Unknown Shore Fishing Vessel

Oil Tanker

Cargo Vessel

Offshore Oil/Gas

Installation

Pleasure Craft

Wreck Dredger

2007 30 5 12 - 2 - 5 - -

2008 16 5 13 1 3 3 2 1 1

INDICATOR 16: POLLUTION AT SEA INCIDENTS



The National oil Spill Contingency Plan (NCP) is currently being drafted. The Irish Coast Guard, in accordance with its obligations under the Sea Pollution (Amendment) Act, 1999 has issued oil spill contingency plan guidelines to all maritime county councils who were instructed to draw up contingency plans for the prevention and minimisation of damage arising out of oil and other spillages on the coast. The Coast Guard also reviews and approves oil spill contingency plans for mobile offshore drilling platforms intending to carry out drilling work within the EEZ. The review and approval of these plans, by IrCG, is ongoing. The rise in reported incidents concerning offshore operations is something that will have to be monitored in light of the increased worldwide search for more sources of oil and gas.

SourceIrish Coast Guard (h. Barry)

Figure 16 Pollution at Sea 2001-2008

Num

ber

of R

epor

ted

Inci

dent

s

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

20082007200620052004200320022001

Source: Irish Coast Guard (E. Clonan and H. Barry)



Local authorities are responsible for bathing water quality in their areas and for making information available to the public during the summer season. The EPA collates the results of monitoring which are forwarded to the European Commission for inclusion in the compendium report published annually by the Eu. The EPA also publishes an annual national bathing water report, which is released prior to the start of the following bathing season.

The primary legislation is set out in regulations (S.I. No. 155 of 1992) and subsequent amendments giving effect to the Eu directive (76/160/EEC) concerning the quality of bathing water. New European legislation on bathing water was adopted in 2006 (directive 2006/7/EC concerning the management of bathing water quality and repealing directive 76/160/EEC) and member States have until december 2014 to implement it. It will provide for a more proactive approach to informing the public on water quality and create four quality categories for bathing waters: excellent, good, sufficient and poor.

The number of designated bathing areas is 131 including both seawater (122) and freshwater (9) sites. results for 2007 and 2008 show that the quality of bathing water in Ireland was relatively good. In 2008, 93 per cent of sites (122 of 131) complying with the Eu mandatory values (Figure 17a). This represent a decrease of four per cent of bathing sites attaining sufficient water quality compared with 2007.

2008 (2007) Bathing Water Quality Areas: Compliance with EU Limit Values

Compliant Non-Compliant Total

Seawater 122

Guide 98 (99) 24 (23)

mandatory 116 (118) 6 (4)

Freshwater 9

Guide 4 (6) 5 (3)

mandatory 6 (9) 3 (0)

Overall 131

Guide 102 (105) 29 (26)

mandatory 122 (127) 9 (4)

Source: EPA (A. Tuohy)

of the nine bathing areas that failed to reach acceptable quality in 2008, three were freshwater sites and it was the first time since 1991, when reporting began, that all freshwater sites did not achieve sufficient water quality status. Almost 78 per cent of sites (102 of 131) complied with the stringent Eu guide values thus achieving good water quality status in 2008. This, however, represents a decrease of two per cent of bathing sites attaining good water quality compared with 2007, which in turn had shown a decrease of ten per cent since 2006 (Figure 17b). The lower proportion of bathing areas achieving sufficient and good water quality status in 2008 has been attributed to the higher than usual rainfall occurring during that bathing season.

While the overall quality of bathing waters in Ireland for 2007� and 2008�� was reasonably good, a small number of sites are nonetheless consistently classified as poor quality and Ireland in 2008 was ranked fourth and second, respectively, from the bottom of the table of European countries for seawater and freshwater bathing water quality; the compliance rate of 95 per cent for seawater bathing areas was just below the European average of 96 per cent while the figure of 67 per cent for its freshwater sites was significantly down on the 92 per cent average for Eu member States.

� The four bathing areas that failed to comply with the minimum mandatory EU standards in 2007 were: Balbriggan in Dublin, Youghal in Cork, Clifden and Na Forbarcha in Galway.

�� The nine bathing areas that failed to comply with the minimum mandatory EU standards in 2008 were: Balbriggan, Loughshinny, Malahide and Potranein Dublin; Clifden in Galway; Ardmore in Waterford; Ballyallia Lake in Clare; Keeldra Lough in Leitrim and Lough Ennel (Lilliput) in Westmeath.

INDICATOR 17: BATHING WATER QUALIT Y



The office of Environmental Enforcement, within the EPA, is following up with the relevant local authorities on the causes of the Eu mandatory bathing water standards failures and on the measures being implemented, to address issues relating to water quality, at the sites.

SourcesEPA, 2008. The Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland: A Report for the Year 2007. EPA, Wexford; EPA, 2009. The Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland: A Report for the Year 2008. EPA, Wexford; European Environment Agency (EEA), 2009. quality of Bathing Water – 2008 Bathing Season. EEA, Copenhagen (EC Bathing Waters report for 2008 http://ec.europa.eu/water/water-bathing/index_en.html)

Figure 17a Water Quality Status at Bathing Areas in 2008 (left) and 2007 (right)

Good Water Quality - compliant with guide and mandatory values

Sufficient Water Quality - compliant with mandatory values only

Poor Water Quality - noncompliant

7%

78%

15%

80%

17%

3%


Figure 17b Water Quality at Bathing Areas 1998-2008

Perc

enta

ge o

f Si

tes

0

25

50

75

100

20082007200620052004200320022001200019991998

Sufficient Water Quality Seawater Sufficient Water Quality Freshwater

Good Water Quality Seawater Good Water Quality Freshwater




Groundwater accounts for approximately 26 per cent of the total drinking water supplied in Ireland, while the proportion rises to 75 per cent in some counties. The majority of private supplies are reliant on groundwater and may have inadequate treatment or, in many cases, no treatment at all. Therefore, to protect private supplies, and possibly reduce the risk of pollution of public supplies, there needs to be adequate protection of groundwater as a resource.

microbial pathogens originate in animal faeces, i.e. from humans, cows, pigs etc. The main sources of microbial pathogens are on-site wastewater treatment systems (e.g. septic tank systems), farmyard run-off, grazing animals and the land-spreading of manure or slurry. In practice, the presence of faecal coliforms in water is taken as an indicator of faecal contamination and thus the potential presence of pathogens, i.e. the actual disease-causing organisms. The presence of a single faecal coliform in a drinking water supply is a breach of the drinking Water regulations (S.I. No. 278 of 2007).

Figure 18a Faecal Coliforms in Groundwater

1995-1997 1998-2000 2001-2003 2004-2006

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

> 10011 - 1006 - 101 - 5

Number of Faecal Coliforms per 100 ml

Perc

enta

ge o

f Sa

mpl

es

2007-2008

Source: EPA (A. Mannix and M. Craig)

Between 2007 and 2008, the EPA sampled wells and springs as part of the national groundwater monitoring programme. The number of samples with zero faecal coliforms declined slightly when compared with the previous reporting period (See Figure 18a). during this reporting period 67 per cent of all EPA monitoring locations had faecal coliforms in at least one sample. Approximately 34 per cent of the 1,891 samples taken between 2007 and 2008 tested positively for faecal coliforms and 19 per cent of samples had greater than 10 faecal coliforms/100 ml.

The increase in the incidents of faecal coliform detections is largely a factor of the review and updates that were made to the national groundwater monitoring network in 2007 for Water Framework directive (WFd) purposes; resulting in a network that is more representative of the hydrogeology and pressures. As a consequence, the network includes a higher proportion of monitoring sites that are vulnerable to bacteriological contamination. While the proportion of monitoring points with faecal coliform detections is high, it not only reflects the impact of human activities, but also the vulnerable nature of groundwater in some parts of the country. historically, it is likely that low numbers of faecal coliforms would have been present in groundwater in some of these areas.

The groundwater monitoring locations in Karst Limestone areas, particularly in the west of Ireland, show the greatest degree of pollution (See Figure 18b). This reflects the vulnerable nature of the more dynamic flow systems to pollution and the lack of attenuation capacity in extremely vulnerable areas with shallow soil or subsoil. General improvements in well design, knowledge of source protection and good land use practice are essential if the risk to water supplies in these areas is to be reduced.

SourcesEPA (A. mannix and m. Craig); Page, d., Burke, B., Wall, B., and o’Leary, G., 2009. The Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland. A report for the years 2007 – 2008. EPA, Wexford; Clabby, K.J., Bradley, C., Craig, m., daly, d., Lucey, J., mcGarrigle, m., o’Boyle, S., Tierney, d. and Bowman, J., 2008. Water Quality in Ireland 2004-2006. EPA, Wexford.

INDICATOR 18: FAECAL COLIFORMS IN GROUNDWATER



Figure 18b Maximum Faecal Coliform Count/100ml during 2007-2008




relatively low concentrations of nitrate are found in natural groundwater and concentrations higher than 10 mg/l as No3 are usually indicative of anthropogenic organic or inorganic inputs. organic sources can include waste disposal, e.g. animal waste spreading or effluent from on-site wastewater treatment systems, whilst inorganic sources can include the spreading of artificial fertiliser. If a significant proportion of surface water flow is derived from groundwater, then increased nitrate concentrations in groundwater may contribute to eutrophication in surface waters.

The majority of the sampling locations in the national groundwater monitoring network are drinking water supplies. Therefore, if nitrate concentrations are above the drinking Water maximum Admissible Concentration (mAC) of 50 mg No3/l in any sample, it is a breach of the drinking Water regulations, unless some form of treatment for nitrate is already in place.

Figure 19a Mean Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater

1995-1997 1998-2000 2001-2003 2004-2006

0

10

20

30

40

50

> 5037.5 - 5025 - 37.510 - 255 - 10< 5

Nitrate, mg NO3/l

Perc

enta

ge o

f M

onito

ring

Loca

tions

2007-2008


Between 2007 and 2008, the mean nitrate concentration exceeded the Irish Threshold value concentration of 37.5 mg No3/l at approximately seven per cent of all EPA monitoring locations and exceeded the drinking Water mAC of 50 mg No3/l at approximately one per cent of these locations (Figure 19a).

Figure 19a indicates that there has been little change in the percentage of monitoring locations with mean nitrate concentrations greater than 25 mg No3/l. however, where the mean concentration at a monitoring point is close to exceeding the Threshold value and is rising year on year, further investigation and measures may be required under the Water Framework directive. The south-east and south of the country have the greater proportion of monitoring locations with elevated nitrate concentrations (See Figure 19b).

Although elevated nitrate concentrations may be observed in monitoring points that are in close proximity to potential point source waste discharges, the spatial distribution of monitoring locations with elevated nitrate concentrations relates to areas with more intensive agricultural practices, which suggests that diffuse, agricultural sources are the cause.

SourcesEPA (A. mannix and m. Craig); Clabby, K.J., Bradley, C., Craig, m., daly, d., Lucey, J., mcGarrigle, m., o’Boyle, S., Tierney, d. and Bowman, J., 2008. Water Quality in Ireland 2004-2006. EPA, Wexford.

INDICATOR 19: NITR ATES IN GROUNDWATER



Figure 19b Mean Nitrate Concentrations during 2007-2008

< 5.0 mg NO3/l

5.0 - 10.0 mg NO3/l

10.0 - 25.0 mg NO3/l

25.0 - 37.5 mg NO3/l

37.5 - 50.0 mg NO3/l

> 50.0 mg NO3/l




Phosphate is usually the limiting nutrient in surface water eutrophication and is therefore a cause for concern because relatively small inputs of phosphorus may lead to enrichment of lakes and rivers. In extremely vulnerable areas, where the soil and subsoil are shallow and where phosphorus enters groundwater in significant quantities, groundwater may act as an additional nutrient enrichment pathway for receptors such as lakes, rivers and wetlands.

The annual mean phosphate river water Environmental quality Standard (EqS) of 0.035 mg P/l is taken as the Threshold value for groundwater. Therefore, groundwater may be contributing to surface water eutrophication in areas where the phosphate concentrations in groundwater are elevated and where groundwater contributes a large proportion of the flow in receiving surface waters.

Figure 20a Mean Phosphate Concentrations in Groundwater

1995-1997 1998-2000 2001-2003 2004-2006

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

> 0.050.035 - 0.050.025 - 0.0350.015 - 0.025< 0.015

MRP, mg P/l

Perc

enta

ge o

f M

onito

ring

Loca

tions

2007-2008


Between 2007 and 2008, a total of 1893 individual samples were analysed for phosphate at 209 monitoring locations. The mean concentration results are summarised in Figure 20a and the monitoring locations are shown in Figure 20b. The bands used to present the mean phosphate concentrations in groundwater reflect the EqS values for rivers (high Status <0.025 mg P/l and Good Status <0.035 mg P/l). mean concentrations of phosphate exceeded 0.035 mg P/l at 24 per cent of all EPA monitoring locations and the mean concentration exceeded 0.05 mg P/l at 10 per cent of locations. There has been a significant increase in the percentage of stations with mean phosphate concentrations greater than 0.015 mg P/l. As with the faecal coliforms (Indicator 18), this is largely a function of the monitoring network revision in 2007 and the development of a monitoring network that is more representative of the hydrogeology and pressures.

Figure 20b indicates that elevated phosphate concentrations have been measured at monitoring locations in the Karst Limestone (predominantly conduit flow areas). This reflects the vulnerable nature of these aquifers and the relative ease of transport of pollutants within the conduit systems. Additionally, in the Karst Limestone areas, groundwater may provide a significant contribution, e.g. 60 to 80 per cent, of the river flow. Consequently, in areas such as Galway, mayo and roscommon, elevated phosphate concentrations in groundwater may be contributing to eutrophication in rivers and lakes.

SourcesEPA (A. mannix and m. Craig); Clabby, K.J., Bradley, C., Craig, m., daly, d., Lucey, J., mcGarrigle, m., o’Boyle, S., Tierney, d. and Bowman, J., 2008. Water Quality in Ireland 2004-2006. EPA, Wexford.

INDICATOR 20: PHOSPHATES IN GROUNDWATER



Figure 20b Mean Phosphate Concentrations during 2007-2008

< 0.015 mg Pl

0.015 - 0.025 mg Pl

0.025 - 0.035 mg Pl

0.035 - 0.050 mg Pl

> 0.050 mg Pl


WATER QUALITY IN IRELAND 2007 - 2008Key Indicators of the Aquatic Environment

EPA Headquarters, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford.Tel: 053-9160600 Fax: 053-9160699 Email: [email protected] Web: www.epa.ie

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