Water Quality Report - 2013

Report on River Water Quality in 2013

Contents

1. Overview

2. General Assessment & Trends

3. River Sites for Further Investigation

4. 2013 Summary of Kilkenny

5. Long Term Trend Graphs – o-Phosphate

6. Long Term Trend Graphs – Nitrate

7. Maps

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

1. Overview

This report provides an assessment of river water quality in County Kilkenny in 2013. It should be read in conjunction with the other data and assessments provided under the South East River Basin district report.

The report is presented in the following sections: (i) Section two of the report provides a general assessment of the state of rivers in the county, with graphs showing trends in annual average o-phosphate and nitrate concentrations in the County since 2001. (ii) The third section identifies the river sites which require further investigation and the suspected causes of pollution. They were selected on the basis of having a Q value less than 4 (i.e. moderate or worse status), poor chemistry, or there were other significant pollution issues. (iii) The fourth section provides a summary assessment of water quality for each river, having regard to the relevant Q values and WFD criteria for the 4 key physico-chemical parameters BOD, ammonia, o-phosphate and Nitrate. (iv) Sections five and six include long term graphs for both o-phosphate and nitrate in Kilkenny Rivers. These are based on three year rolling means. (v) Finally there are a set of maps which provide an indication of river water quality based on the 4 key physico-chemical parameters. These maps compare the annual average for each parameter at each river station against the relevant EQS.

2. General Assessment & Trends

Water quality in County Kilkenny remains relatively good when compared to the national picture. In terms of ecological status, 61% of river stations in the county are at least good status compared with 65% nationally.

The general physico-chemical data suggests a slight improvement in water quality in 2013 compared to 2012. As indicated in the table below, there was a general decrease the percentage of river stations which exceeded the Good status EQS for ammonia, o- phosphate and nitrate levels however percentage of rivers which exceeded the EQS for BOD increased for 2013 compared to 2012.

Parameter 2013 (%) 2012 (%) Ammonia 9.5 13.4 o-Phosphate 42.6 50.7 Nitrate 78.1 86.6 BOD 30.1 13.4

Table 1. % of River Stations that exceeded the EQS for Good status for each parameter in 2013 compared to 2012.

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

While there was a drop in the percentage of rivers which exceeded the Good status for ortho-phosphate, an increase was observed in the annual average ortho-phosphate concentration in 2013. The ortho-phosphate levels have fluctuated over the time period 2001-2013 but the trend is generally downward since 2007. Ortho-phosphate remains a problem as the average level is below Good status and the challenge of reducing levels still further remains a considerable one.

0.070

0.060

0.050

0.040 ortho-Phosphate

0.030 Phosphate(mg/L P)

- High/Good 0.020 Good/Moderate

0.010 Meano

0.000

Year

Fig. 1. Annual average ortho-phosphate levels in Kilkenny rivers 2001 – 2013.

Similarly to ortho-phosphate there was a drop in the number of sites which exceeded the Good status for the surrogate EQS. Nitrates are however still a significant problem in Kilkenny Rivers. Nitrate levels fell steadily between 2006 and 2012. In 2012 there was an increase in average concentrations. The levels fell slightly again in 2013 but the average concentrations for 2013 brings them back in line with the 2010. The average nitrate concentration has consistently exceeded the surrogate EQS for Good Status over the past 14 years. 4.500

4.000

3.500 3.000 2.500 2.000 Nitrate 1.500 High/Good

1.000 Good/Moderate MeanNitrate (mg/L N) 0.500 0.000

Year

Fig. 2. Annual average nitrate levels in Kilkenny rivers 2001 – 2013.

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

With the advent of the Water Framework Directive compliance rules for certain river chemistry determinands were applied to the data collected. Assessment is based on the four most significant contributing parameters to water quality, namely BOD, ammonium, o- phosphate and TON. Sites are identified as passing or failing based on an assessment of the mean and 95%ile of these parameters. Sites fail chemistry where two or more parameters fail the criteria set. While few sites fail two parameters, a significant number of sites fail a single parameter (in the majority of cases this is due to TON). Where a site fails one parameter, it is described as being of concern. The data for the Kilkenny rivers since the start of the WFD monitoring (2007) is shown in Table 2. The percentage of sites which fall into each category is trended over 3 year rolling cycles (Figure 3). Chemical monitoring since 2007 indicated an improving trend in all Kilkenny rivers. This trend stabilised in 2013. No sites have failed chemistry in any cycle since 2007 and the number of passing sites has increased from 23 in 2007-2009 to 45 for 2011-2013. While chemical monitoring indicates an improving trend, it is important to also remain focussed on maintaining the status of those sites that are already at good or higher status.

Year No. of Stations Pass Of Concern Fail

2007-2009 73 23 50 0 2008-2010 74 27 47 0 2009-2011 75 41 34 0 2010-2012 75 45 30 0 2011-2013 78 45 33 0

Table 2. Number of river stations by WFD compliance status

Kilkenny Rivers 80

60

40 Pass

Concern Percentage 20 Fail

0 2007-09 2008-10 2009-11 2010-12 2011-13 Years

Fig. 3. % of river stations by WFD compliance status

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

Table 3. River stations with the highest average ammonia concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).

River Name River Code / Station Number Nore 15N01-2500 Little Arrigle 15L01-0200 Arrigle 15A02-0300 Glory 15G02-0200 Glory 15G02-0100

Table 4. River stations with the highest average o-phosphate concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).

River Name River Code / Station Number Nore 15N01-1980 Nore 15N01-2000 King’s (Monaghan) 15K02-0600 Bregagh 15B02-0300 Nore 15N01-2500

Table 5. River stations with the highest average nitrate concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).

River Name River Code / Station Number Nuenna 15N02-0100 Nuenna 15N02-0300 Glory 15G02-0200 Glory 15G02-0300 Gully 14G03-0100

Table 6. River stations with the highest average BOD concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order). River Name River Code / Station Number Nore 15N01-2500 Clogh 15C03-0300 Bregagh 15B02-0300 Tullaroan Stream 15T02-0450 Dinin South Channel 15D08-0600

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

3. WFD River Sites for further investigation

There are over 900 river sites of less than good status across the country – that is they have a biological Q value of 3-4 or less. There are nineteen river stations in County Kilkenny (that are also monitored for chemical determinands) that have a Q value of 3-4 or less. These have been identified as sites for further investigation. Table 8 lists all these sites along with the suspected causes and any relevant additional comments.

Kilkenny is a predominantly rural county with agriculture being one of the main activities in the county. Diffuse pollution from agriculture as well as small point sources such as small urban wastewater treatment plants (UWWT), domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) and farmyards are significant contributory pressures. The predominant pollution sources in the more urbanised areas are discharges from wastewater treatment plants, storm water overflows and industrial discharges. It must be borne in mind that multiple pressures may impact on any given site. Further work is required also in order to better distinguish between the impacts of DWWTS and diffuse agricultural sources. The pathways by which pollutants reach water are similar for those emanating from DWWTS and from agricultural sources, whether farmyard or field.

The EPA is responsible for the licensing or certification of all discharges to the aquatic environment from sewerage systems owned, managed and operated by Irish Water. The licensing and certification authorisation process was introduced on a phased basis commencing on 14th December 2007 in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (SI 684 of 2007). Up to the end of 2013 eight licences were issued in County Kilkenny. Prior to 2013 there were no licenced facilities in Co. Kilkenny. The eight licences issued in 2013 are shown in Table 7 below.

Table 7. Wastewater discharge licences issued in Kilkenny in 2013.

Agglomeration Licence No. Authority Date Issued Johnstown D0401-01 Irish Water 4/10/13 Freshford D0526-01 Irish Water 4/10/13 Goresbridge D0529-01 Irish Water 4/10/13 Fiddown D0528-01 Irish Water 8/10/13 Ballyhale/ D0530-01 Irish Water 5/12/13 D0400-01 Irish Water 6/12/13 Kilkenny City D0018-01 Irish Water 9/12/13 D0149-01 Irish Water 9/12/13

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

Both diffuse and point source pollution are key pressures in Co. Kilkenny. Many of the point sources are due directly to wastewater discharges and it is hoped that the licencing of these plants will show improvements over the coming years. The focus on domestic waste water treatment systems (DWWTS) has continued to increase in recent years. In 2013, a National Inspection Plan for DWWTS was published in response to the European Court of Justice finding that had not met the legal obligation required by the 1975 Waste Framework Directive to regulate the waste water generated in our unsewered areas. Inspections commenced in 2013, starting with areas at greatest risk of damage to human health or the environment. In the period 01/07/2013 to 31/12/2013, eight inspections were carried out in Co. Kilkenny. Three of these inspections (37.5%) were deemed to be non-compliant.

It is apparent that diffuse agricultural pollution is a key pressure in Co. Kilkenny. Animal access to rivers as well as spreading of wastes are issues that need to be addressed. Food Harvest 2020 has the potential to put further pressure on water quality with the proposed increase in output likely to be the most challenging in Co. Kilkenny.

Desk studies were carried out by Kilkenny Co.Co. on a number of sites which were listed as priority polluted sites in the 2012 report. The Rivers Goul, Gowran, Monefelim, Nuenna, and Brownstown Stream are all scheduled for river bank surveys and, where necessary, farm inspections will be carried out in 2014. A small streams risk score (SSRS) on a tributary of the (15N01) upstream of Stn.200 showed that the water quality in the tributary is good.

Works have been carried out on the UWWT plants at Stoneyford (Kings River 15K02-900), Kilmagany (R.Glory 15G01-0045) and Freshford (Nuenna River 15N02-0300) which should improve conditions. Also licences were issued for Freshford and Kilkenny City UWWTP’s in 2013. Storm water overflow was a suspected cause of pollution at the River Breagagh (15B02) Stn. 0350.

River Gowran: A proposed integrated constructed wetland (ICW) at Stn. 400 on the river Gowran, near an agri-industrial facility, is moving toward construction. Interim measures were put in place in 2012 and 2013 during the harvest season with inspections to be carried out. BOD and ortho-phosphate levels at Stn.400 were significantly lower in 2013 than in previous years.

Kings River (15K02): Enforcement actions by Kilkenny Co.Co. are ongoing at Stn. 500 in relation to Bacon Company.

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

Table 7. Sites for further investigation in County Kilkenny

River Code Location Q Value Year Key Pressures Comments

Arrigle 15A02-0300 Br just u/s R. Nore Q3-4* 2013 Agricultural and mixed rural influences. Siltation recorded in 2013

Agricultural Goresbridge WWTP licenced in Barrow 14B01-3100 Goresbridge Q3-4 2011 Urban October 2013.

Barrow 14B01-3300 Ballyteigelea Br Q3-4 2011 Agricultural and mixed rural influences. d/s Goresbridge village

Blackwater Urban 16B02-0450 Br SE of Kilmacow Q3-4 2012 d/s Kilmacow village (Kilmacow) Agricultural and mixed rural influences. Bregagh Urban – Storm Water overflows and WWDL issued to Kilkenny City (Kilkenny) 15B02-0350 Brewery Bridge Q3 2013 restoration/enhancement work WWTP in December 2013 Reduced Q value from Q3-4* in Brownstown Agricultural 2010. Siltation recorded again in (Pococke) 15B04-1100 1st Br u/s Nore Confluence Q3* 2013 Siltation 2013

Clogh 15C03-0300 Clogh Br Q3-4 2013 Agricultural and mixed rural influences.

Dinin (c-Main 15D02-0800 Dinin Br Q3-4 2013 Agricultural and mixed rural influences. Channel) Graiguenamanagh village – Duiske 14D01-0150 Br. at Graiguenamanagh Q3-4 2011 Urban dumping of household rubbish noted during last biological survey 0.1 km d/s Br N of Improved Q value from Q2-3 in Glory 15G01-0045 Kilmaganny Q3-4 2013 Agricultural and mixed rural influences. 2010. Works carried out at Kilmaganny WWTP in 2013.

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Code Location Q Value Year Key Pressures Comments

Br just u/s King's R. Glory 15G01-0300 Q3-4 2013 Agricultural and mixed rural influences. Confluence. Agricultural Fertagh Br - d/s Arcon Desk study carried out – River bank Mining ( mine was open until Goul 15G02-0300 Mine at Galmoy Q3-4 2013 survey scheduled for 2014. 2012)

Br on W side of Gowran Desk study carried out – River bank Agriculture Gowran 14G03-0100 Town Q3-4 2011 survey scheduled for 2014.

Desk study carried out – River bank Agriculture survey scheduled for 2014. Gowran 14G03-0400 Br at Red Mill (N Channel) Q2-3 2011 Industrial (agri-industrial facilty) ICW being constructed at RedMills. Inspections during harvest season.

Urban d/s Callan Town King's 15K02-0600 2 km d/s Callan Q3-4 2013 Agriculture Q values dropped from Q4 in 2010.

Investigative monitoring carried Agriculture King's out in 2013. River bank survey 15K02-0800 Kells Br Q3-4 2013 Urban influences from Kells village. scheduled for 2014.

King's Agriculture Works carried out at Stoneyford 15K02-0900 Ennisnag Br Q3-4 2013 Urban influences from Stoneyford village. WWTP in 2013.

Near Carrick on Suir Urban Lingaun 16L01-0600 The Three Bridges Q3-4 2011

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Code Location Q Value Year Key Pressures Comments

Br u/s Barrow Confl. (d/s Desk study carried out – River bank Agriculture Monefelim 14M03-1000 side) Q3-4 2009 survey scheduled for 2014.

Q values dropped from Q3-4 in Agriculture Nuenna 15N02-0100 Br just d/s Clomantagh Q3 2013 2010.

Q values dropped from Q3-4 in 2010. Agricultural Nuenna 15N02-0300 1 km E of Freshford Q3 2013 Works carried out at Freshford Urban influences from Freshford village. WWTP in 2013 and plant licenced in October 2013.

Smartscastle Br SW of Smartscastle - Agriculture and mixed rural influences. Stream 16S07-0800 main flow Q3-4 2012

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

4. 2013 Summary of River Water Quality in County Kilkenny

These assessments are based on physico-chemical measurements made during 2013, and the most recent Q values and assessments of the river biologists.

River Remarks Change from 2012

Barrow The Barrow rises in the Slieve Bloom mountains and No significant change from 14B01-3100 Q3-4 (2011) flows through counties Laois, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny 2012. 14B01-3300 Q3-4 (2011) and Wexford. It converges with the Nore and Suir 14B01-3500 Q4 (2011) rivers before discharging to Harbour. The 14B01-3600 lowest reaches are tidal and they are dealt with under the Transitional Waters monitoring programme. BOD ammonia and ortho-phosphate were slightly raised on one occasion at Goresbridge (Stn 3100) and Ballylteiglea Bridge (Stn 3300) in October 2013. The BOD was also elevated at Graiguenamanagh on the same day. Biological monitoring indicates moderate conditions at Goresbridge and Ballyteiglea Bridge with the river improving to Good Status at Graiguenamanagh.

Duiske The Duiske river the surface water abstraction point (14D04-0150) for Graiguenamanagh village. Nitrates are slightly elevated at this site. Otherwise chemistry is Q4-5 at Stn 0100 and Q3- satisfactory 4 at Stn 0200

Gowran The Gowran is divided into two channels by a weir at No change from 2012. 14G03-0100 Q3-4 (2011) station 0200, and stations 0300 and 0400 are on 14G03-0300 Q4 (2011) separate channels. High BOD was recorded at station 14G03-0400 Q2-3 (2011) 0100 in January 2013. Chemistry is generally satisfactory with a significant improvement in BOD values at Stn 0400 in 2013. Nitrates are of moderate status throughout the river. Desk studies were carried out by Kilkenny Co.Co. on Stns 0100 and 0400 with river bank surveys scheduled for 2014. An ICW is currently being constructed at the RedMills facility.

Monefelim A tributary of the Barrow, this river flows through an No change from 2012. 14M03-1000 Q3-4 (2011) agricultural area. Chemistry is generally satisfactory.

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Remarks Change from 2012

Powerstown Stream This river joins the Barrow at south of Goresbridge. No change from 2012. (Kilkenny) It should not be confused with the Powerstown 14P02-0400 Q4 (2011) stream that flows beside the Powerstown landfill in Co. Carlow. Generally satisfactory chemistry, however elevated BOD, ortho-phosphate and nitrite were noted in July 2013. Nitrates are moderate at this station. The 2011 biological assessment noted excessive siltation and compaction of the river bed.

Arrigle Quality is generally satisfactory. Slightly evated BOD, Change in Q value at stn 0300 15A02-0100 Q4 (2013) ortho -phosphate and nitrite were noted at Stn 0300 in from High to Moderate since 15A02-0300 Q3-4* September 2013. 2010. (2013) No significant change in Biological assessment in 2013 shows a drop at Stn chemistry from 2012. 0300 from High to Moderate.

Bregagh (Kilkenny) This tributary of the Nore flows through agricultural Improvement in nitrate 15B02-0100 land and on through Kilkenny City. High BOD was concentrations at Stns 0100 15B02-0300 noted at Stn 0300 in September 2013 (>7.8mg/l) and 0300. 15B02-0350 Q3 (2013) howerver river flow was very low at the time. Nitrate levels decreased at Stns 0100 and 0300 in 2013. Biological assessment remains at moderate quality at station 0350 (Brewery Bridge)

Brownstown (Pococke) A tributary of the Nore, south of Kilkenny, this river is Deterioration in ecological 15B04-1100 Q3*(2013) subject to intermittent discharges from agriculture quality from moderate status and from the industrial estate at Purcellsinch, in 2010 to poor in 2013. Kilkenny. High BOD in March 2013. Average o- Improvements in chemistry phosphate, ammonia and nitrite values decreased in seen in 2013. 2013. Biological monitoring indicated a drop to Poor status in 2013.

Castlecomer Stream Chemical quality is generally satisfactory. A high BOD No change from 2012. 15C01-0100 Q 4 (2013) (0.28mg/l) was observed in January 2013. Biological monitoring shows Good river quality.

Clough DO is high at times. Elevated ammonia, BOD and o- Improvement in nitrate status 15C03-0300 Q 3-4 (2013) phosphate in January 2013. Average nitrate from Good to High in 2013. concentrations improved from good status in 2012 to Deterioration in ecological high when compared against the surrogate EQS. quality from Q4 in 2010 to Biological monitoring in 2013 indicated a decrease in Q3-4 in 2013. ecological river water quality.

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Remarks Change from 2012

Dinin There are two branches (north and south) that come No significant change in 15D02-0250 Q4 (2013) together into a main channel for the final two chemisty from 2012. at Stn 0200 sampling points. Stn 0700 (Lisnafunshion) is the Deterioration in ecological 15D02-0400 Q4 (2013) abstraction point for Kilkenny City. quality at Stn 0800 from Q4 in 15D02-0600 Q4 (2013) Chemistry is generally satisfactory. Slightly elevated 2010 to Q3-4 in 2013. 15D02-0700 Q4 (2013) ammonia at times in 2013 at Stns 0400 and 0700. 15D02-0800 Q3-4 (2013) Nitrate concentrations are low at all locations in 2013. This river can also be highly coloured at times. Latest ecological assessment shows loss of qualiy at Stn 0800 (Dinin Bridge). Glory This river flows through agricultural land and the Improvement in ecological 15G01-0045 Q3-4 (2013) villages of Windgap, Kilmaganny and Dunamaggin in quality at Stn 0045 otherwise 15G01-0200 Q4 (2013) Co. Kilkenny. Chemisty quality is generally no significant change from 15G01-0300 Q4 (2013) satisfactory with ongoing elevated nitrates. 2012. Ecological quality at station 0045 (d/s Kilmaganny) has improved to moderate from poor – this may be due to upgrading of the WWTP. Goul The Goul is a tributary of the Erkina and flows past Increase in ammonia levels in 15G02-0100 Johnstown and in Co. Kilkenny, before river since 2012. 15G02-0200 flowing into Co. Laois. Prior to production at Galmoy 15G02-0300 Q3-4 (2013) mine ceasing in late 2012 the river received the mine effluent. There is also agricultual pressures from forestry at Stn 0300. Elevated ammonia, BOD, o-phosphate and nitrite was also noticed at all stations in Oct 2013. The ammonia levels were elevated throughout 2013 at Stns 0200 and 0300. Biological monitoring indicates moderate quality at all stations along the river. (previously good quality at Newtown Mills). Kings River This river flows through Co. Tipperary and Co. No significant change from 15K02-0400 Kilkenny, before it joins the Nore d/s of 2012. 15K02-0500 Q4 (2013) Bennettsbridge. It flows through Callan and Kells in 15K02-0550 Co. Kilkenny. 15K02-0600 Q3-4 (2013) Elevated ammonia at stations 0400,0550,0600 15K02-0800 Q3-4 (2013) throughout 2013. ortho-Phosphate can also be 15K02-0900 Q3-4 (2013) elevated at times. Elevated ammonia, BOD and o- phosphate at Stn 0800 (Kells bridge) in October 2013. Biological monitoring also indicates only moderate quality over much of the river’s course. Q value increased to Q4 at stn 0500 (Br in Callan) but decreased to Q3-4 from 4 at stn 0600 (2km d/s of Callan).

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Remarks Change from 2012

Little Arrigle As in previous years, high BOD, ammonia and nitrite No change from 2012. 15L01-0200 on occasion at Goat’s Bridge indicate intermittent pollution.

Muckalee This river provides raw water for Kilkenny City’s Deterioration in ecological 15M02-0100 Q4 (2013) drinking water supply at station 0140. Colour is quality from High to Good at 15M02-0140 naturally high, and BOD was high at station 0140 in Stn 0100. 15M02-0200 Q4 (2013) August, otherwise quality is satisfactory. ortho- Improvement in nitrate Nitrate concentrations reducing at all stations during concentrations throughout the second half of 2013. 2013

Munster There are two branches to this river – the east branch No significant change from 15M03-0200 Q4 (2013) (formerly known as the Tullaroan Stream) and the 2012. 15M03-0450 Q4 (2013) main branch. The final station is below the confluence 15M03-0500 Q4 at stn of the two branches. 0540 (2013) Stns 0500 was dry in July and September. Biological 15M03-0600 Q4 (2013) monitoring indicates Good quality. 15M03-0700 Q4 (2013)

This river is 141 km in length and has a catchment Biological monitoring in 2013 Nore area of 2530 km2. It flows through counties Tipperary, indicates an improvement in 15N01-1400 Laois and Kilkenny, before joining the at ecological quality with it being 15N01-1500 . It flows through mainly agricultural land. of Good status over the 15N01-1600 The lastest biology survey shows that ecological length of the river. 15N01-1700 Q4 (2013) quality is good throughout the river Nore. 15N01-1750 The river can be coloured at times, and ortho- 15N01-1900 phosphate concentrations were slightly elevated at all 15N01-1950 Q4 (2013) stations at various times throughout 2013. 15N01-1980 Chemistry was generally satisfactory however 15N01-2000 Q4 (2013) high BOD, ammonia and o-phosphate were noted at Stn 2180 (the abstraction for Bennetsbridge) in 15N01-2100 July (6.4m/gl BOD) and Stn 2500 ( Br) in 15N01-2180 both June and August (>21mg/LBOD, 15N01-2200 Q4 (2013) 4.8mg/LAmmonia and 0.6mg/L P). 15N01-2300 Q4 (2013) Desk studies were carried out by Kilkenny Co.Co. on 15N01-2400 Q4 (2013) Stns 2000 and 2300 with river bank surveys scheduled 15N01-2500 for 2014.

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Remarks Change from 2012

Nuenna BOD, ammonia and o-phosphate were high at station A deterioration in ecological 15N02-0100 Q3 (2013) 0100 in May and July, and elevated at Stn 0200 in July. quality from moderate to poor 15N02-0300 Q3 (2013) Nitrates continued to be elevated at both stations. since 2010. No change in Biological monitoring indicates a drop from moderate chemistry from 2012. to poor conditions.

Owveg (or Owenbeg) This river rises in Co. Laois and forms part of the Slight improvement from 15O01-0400 Q4 (2013) Kilkenny/Laois border. Chemistry was generally 2012. satisfactory in 2013.

Stoneyford Stream A tributary of the Kings, this river flows through No significant change from 15S01-0100 Stoneyford village. Elevated BOD recorded in 2012. September, otherwise quality is satisfactory.

Blackwater (Kilmacow) Chemistry is satisfactory over the length of the No significant change from 16B02-0080 Q4 (2013) river.Ecological quality is good at Stns 0080 and 0300 2012. 16B02-0300 Q4 (2013) but only moderate ecological quality was recorded at stn 0450 (SE of Kilmacow). 16B02-0450 Q3-4 (2013)

Lingaun This river rises in Slievenamon and flows along the No change from 2012. 16L01-0300 Q4-5 (2013) Kilkenny/Tipperary border. The water supply for 16L01-0400 Q4 (2013) Carrick -on-Suir is abstracted near station 0550. 16L01-0550 Chemistry is satisfactory, but ecological quality 16L01-0600 Q3-4 (2013) remains only moderate at The Three Bridges (station 0600).

Pollanassa This river is a tributary of the Blackwater (Kilmacow). No change from 2012. 16P02-0100 Q4 (2013) Station 0200 is an abstraction point for Mooncoin 16P02-0200 Regional Water supply. Quality was satisfactory in 2012 and ecological quality remains Good.

Smartscastle Stream This stream flows through agricultural land in SE No change from 2012. 16S07-0800 Q3-4 (2012) Kilkenny. It is a tributary of the Blackwater (Kilmacow). Chemistry is satisfactory.

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

5. Long Term Trend Graphs – o-Phosphate River Barrow

0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 14B01-3100 0.050

0.040 14B01-3300 Phosphate(mg/LP) - 0.030 14B01-2500 0.020 14B01-3600

Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Gowran

0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 14G03-0100 0.040

14G03-0300 Phosphate(mg/L P) - 0.030 0.020 14G03-0400

0.010 Meano 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Bregagh

0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 15B02-0100 0.040

15B02-0300 Phosphate(mg/L P) - 0.030 0.020 15B02-0350

0.010 Meano 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Dinin

0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 15D02-0600 0.040

15D02-0700 Phosphate(mg/L P) - 0.030 0.020 15D02-0800

0.010 Meano 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Glory

0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 15G01-0045 0.040

15G01-0200 Phosphate(mg/L P) - 0.030 0.020 15G01-0300

0.010 Meano 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Goul

0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 15G02-0100 0.040

15G02-0200 Phosphate (mg/L P) - 0.030 0.020 15G02-0300

0.010 Meano 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Muckalee

0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 15M02-0100 0.040

15M02-0140 Phosphate(mg/L P) - 0.030 0.020 15M02-0200

0.010 Meano 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Munster River

0.090

0.080 0.070 0.060 15m03-0450 0.050

0.040 15M03-0500

Phosphate(mg/l) - 0.030 15M03-0600 0.020 15M03-0700 Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Nore

0.090 0.080 0.070 15N01-1400 0.060 15N01-1700 0.050

0.040 15N01-1980 Phosphate (mg/L P) - 0.030 15N01-2000 0.020 15N01-2200

0.010 Meano 0.000 15N01-2400 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

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River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Nuenna

0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050

0.040 15N02-0100 Phosphate(mg/lP) - 0.030 15N02-0300 0.020

Meano 0.010 0.000 1 2 3 4 5 6 Year

River Blackwater (Kilmacow)

0.090

0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 16B02-0080

0.040 Phosphate mgl P

- 16B02-0300 0.030 0.020 16B02-0450

Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Lingaun

0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 16L01-0300 0.050

0.040 16L01-0400 Phosphate mg/L P - 0.030 16L01-0550 0.020 16L01-0600

Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 19

River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

6. Long Term Trend Graphs – Nitrate River Barrow 6.00

5.00

4.00 14B01-3100 3.00 14B01-3300 2.00 14B01-3500

MeanNitrate (mg/L N) 1.00 14B01-3600

0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Gowran 6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00 14G03-0100

2.00 14G03-0300 14G03-0400

MeanNitrate (mg/L N) 1.00

0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Bregagh 6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00 15B02-0100

2.00 15B02-0300 15B02-0350

MeanNitrate (mg/L N) 1.00

0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 20

River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Dinin

6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00 15D02-0600

15D02-0700 Phosphate(mg/L P)

- 2.00 15D02-0800

1.00 Meano 0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Glory 6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00 15G01-0045

2.00 15G01-0200 15G01-0300 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00

0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Goul 6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00 15G02-0200 2.00 15G02-0300

meanNitrate mg/L N 1.00

0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 21

River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Muckalee

6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00 15M02-0100

15M02-0140 Phosphate(mg/L P)

- 2.00 15M02-0200

1.00 Meano 0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Munster River 6.00

5.00

4.00 15M03-0450 3.00 15M03-0500 2.00 15M03-0600

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 15M03-0700

0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Nore

6.00

5.00 15N01-1400 4.00 15N01-1700 3.00

15N01-1980 Phosphate (mg/L P) - 2.00 15N01-2000

1.00 15N01-2200 Meano 0.00 15N01-2400 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 22

River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

River Nuenna 6.00 5.50 5.00 4.50 4.00 3.50 3.00 15N02-0100 2.50 15N02-0300

MeanNitrate mg/L N 2.00 1.50 1.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 year

River Blackwater (Kilmacow) 6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00 16B02-0080

2.00 16B02-0300 16B02-0450 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00

0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

River Linguan 6.00

5.00

4.00 16L01-0300 3.00 16L01-0400 2.00 16L01-0550 1.00 16L01-0600

0.00 2006-2008 2007-2008 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 23

River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

7. River Water Quality Maps

Map1. River Water Quality: Kilkenny BOD Assessment 2013

Environmental Protection Agency Page 24

River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

Map 2. River Water Quality: Kilkenny Ammonia Assessment 2013

Environmental Protection Agency Page 25

River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

Map 3. River Water Quality: Kilkenny Ortho-Phosphate Assessment 2013

Environmental Protection Agency Page 26

River Water Quality Report Kilkenny - 2013

Map 4. River Water Quality: Kilkenny Total Oxidised Nitrogen (TON) Assessment 2013

Environmental Protection Agency Page 27