Bathing Water Quality in Ireland
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Bathing Water Quality in Ireland A report for the year 2020 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting on the The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for Environment protecting and improving the environment as a valuable asset • Monitoring air quality and implementing the EU Clean Air for for the people of Ireland. We are committed to protecting people Europe (CAFÉ) Directive. and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation and • Independent reporting to inform decision making by national pollution. and local government (e.g. periodic reporting on the State of Ireland’s Environment and Indicator Reports). The work of the EPA can be divided into three main areas: Regulating Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Preparing Ireland’s greenhouse gas inventories and projections. Regulation: We implement effective regulation and environmental • Implementing the Emissions Trading Directive, for over 100 of compliance systems to deliver good environmental outcomes and the largest producers of carbon dioxide in Ireland. target those who don’t comply. Knowledge: We provide high quality, targeted and timely Environmental Research and Development environmental data, information and assessment to inform • Funding environmental research to identify pressures, inform decision making at all levels. policy and provide solutions in the areas of climate, water and sustainability. Advocacy: We work with others to advocate for a clean, productive and well protected environment and for sustainable Strategic Environmental Assessment environmental behaviour. • Assessing the impact of proposed plans and programmes on the Irish environment (e.g. major development plans). Our Responsibilities Radiological Protection Licensing • Monitoring radiation levels, assessing exposure of people in We regulate the following activities so that they do not endanger Ireland to ionising radiation. human health or harm the environment: • Assisting in developing national plans for emergencies arising • waste facilities (e.g. landfills, incinerators, waste transfer from nuclear accidents. stations); • Monitoring developments abroad relating to nuclear • large scale industrial activities (e.g. pharmaceutical, cement installations and radiological safety. manufacturing, power plants); • Providing, or overseeing the provision of, specialist radiation • intensive agriculture (e.g. pigs, poultry); protection services. • the contained use and controlled release of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs); Guidance, Accessible Information and Education • sources of ionising radiation (e.g. x-ray and radiotherapy • Providing advice and guidance to industry and the public on equipment, industrial sources); environmental and radiological protection topics. • large petrol storage facilities; • Providing timely and easily accessible environmental • waste water discharges; information to encourage public participation in environmental • dumping at sea activities. decision-making (e.g. My Local Environment, Radon Maps). • Advising Government on matters relating to radiological safety National Environmental Enforcement and emergency response. • Conducting an annual programme of audits and inspections of • Developing a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan to EPA licensed facilities. prevent and manage hazardous waste. • Overseeing local authorities’ environmental protection responsibilities. Awareness Raising and Behavioural Change • Supervising the supply of drinking water by public water • Generating greater environmental awareness and influencing suppliers. positive behavioural change by supporting businesses, • Working with local authorities and other agencies to tackle communities and householders to become more resource environmental crime by co-ordinating a national enforcement efficient. network, targeting offenders and overseeing remediation. • Promoting radon testing in homes and workplaces and • Enforcing Regulations such as Waste Electrical and Electronic encouraging remediation where necessary. Equipment (WEEE), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and substances that deplete the ozone layer. Management and structure of the EPA • Prosecuting those who flout environmental law and damage the The EPA is managed by a full time Board, consisting of a Director environment. General and five Directors. The work is carried out across five Offices: Water Management • Office of Environmental Sustainability • Monitoring and reporting on the quality of rivers, lakes, • Office of Environmental Enforcement transitional and coastal waters of Ireland and groundwaters; • Office of Evidence and Assessment measuring water levels and river flows. • Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring • National coordination and oversight of the Water Framework • Office of Communications and Corporate Services Directive. The EPA is assisted by an Advisory Committee of twelve members • Monitoring and reporting on Bathing Water Quality. who meet regularly to discuss issues of concern and provide advice to the Board. Bathing Water Quality in Ireland: A report for the year 2020 Environmental Protection Agency An Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil P.O. Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, County Wexford, Ireland, Y35 W821 Phone: +353 53 916 0600 Email: [email protected] Website: www.epa.ie LoCall: 1890 33 55 99 © Environmental Protection Agency, 2021 Although we in the Environmental Protection Agency have tried our best to make sure this publication is accurate, we cannot guarantee complete accuracy. Neither we nor the authors are in any way responsible for any loss or damage caused by, or claimed to have been caused by, anyone doing anything or failing to do anything based on information in this publication. You may reproduce all or part of this publication without further permission, provided you acknowledge the source. Cover photo: Clare Island Beach, Mayo Photo: Anthony Mannix Published by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland May 2021 ISBN: 978-1-84095-990-1 Environmental Protection Agency | Bathing Water Contents Key findings for 2020 ........................................................................................................................... 2 1: Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Who does what? ................................................................................................................... 4 1.2 Why should I check the latest water quality information? ...................................... 5 1.3 Where can I check the latest bathing water quality? ................................................ 5 2: Bathing water quality ....................................................................................................................... 6 2.1 How is bathing water quality assessed? ........................................................................ 6 2.2 Bathing water quality in 2020 ........................................................................................... 7 3: Pollution incidents ........................................................................................................................... 11 3.1 Bathing water pollution incidents in 2020 ................................................................... 11 3.2 Prior warnings of potential pollution events ..............................................................13 4: Poor bathing waters....................................................................................................................... 14 5: Sufficient bathing waters ...............................................................................................................18 6: Public participation and research ...............................................................................................19 7: ‘Other’ monitored bathing waters ..............................................................................................19 8: Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................21 Glossary and background information .................................................................................... 22 Appendix A: Additional information on bathing water classifications .......................... 24 Appendix B: Summary information for identified bathing waters .................................. 25 Appendix C: Summary information for ‘other’ monitored bathing waters .................. 29 Environmental Protection Agency | Bathing Water List of figures Figure 1: Bathing water quality in Ireland in 2020 .......................................................................................... 7 Figure 2: Bathing water quality map of Ireland 2020 for identified bathing waters ........................... 8 Figure 3: Likely causes of reported incidents in 2020 ..................................................................................12 Figure 4: Example of warning notice for a bathing water with a Poor classification ........................ 14 Figure 5: Bathing water quality (‘other’ monitored waters) Map of Ireland 2020 ............................. 20 List of tables Table 1: Changes in bathing water classification between 2019 and 2020 ............................................10 Table 2: Pollution Incidents in 2019 and 2020 .................................................................................................12