EPA says Irish water quality showing no significant improvement
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that as of the end of 2023, the water quality indicators in Ireland’s rivers, estuaries, lakes and groundwater have shown no overall improvement.
In addition to this, the improvements that have been made in some water bodies are being counteracted by a decline in the quality of others.
According to the EPA, the main factor negatively affecting our waterways is nutrient pollution from agriculture and wastewater.
The EPA has said that nitrates are too high in many areas and similarly phosphorus levels are too high in over one quarter of rivers and one third of lakes.
“Average nitrate levels in rivers, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters are largely unchanged and remain too high in the east, southeast and south.”
“Average phosphorus levels in rivers and lakes are also largely unchanged and remain too high in 27 per cent of rivers and 35 per cent of lakes.”
To access the official report, visit – Water Quality in 2023 | Environmental Protection Agency (epa.ie)
