Dundalk river estuary one of only three nationally to fail key water quality marker

The Castletown River Estuary in Dundalk is one of only three water bodies in the country to be assessed as having exceeded healthy phosphate thresholds according to a new report released today.

The Water Quality in 2022 Report compiled by the EPA showed that the phosphate level in the water exceeded the recommended threshold by 6%.

Additionally, the Castletown Estuary was one of 20% estuarine and coastal water bodies assessed that were found to be  in unsatisfactory condition for Dissolved inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) with measurements reading  85% above threshold value.

The concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in winter is used as an index of nutrient enrichment in marine waters.

Nationally, the report found that Nitrate concentrations are too high in 40% of river sites nationally and in 20% of estuarine and coastal water bodies. 

The report noted: “These elevated levels are found mainly in the south and south east and are too high to support good water quality in our estuaries. 

“This is primarily attributable to intensive agricultural activities on freely draining soils in these areas. Most of the nitrogen in Irish waters comes from organic and inorganic fertilisers. 

“Average nitrate levels in rivers and groundwaters increased nationally between 2021 and 2022. While levels can fluctuate between years based on climate there is no indication that nitrate levels are reducing.”

Commenting on the report, Dr Eimear Cotter, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment, said:

“Clean water is essential for our health and wellbeing, our economy and for wildlife. The failure to improve water quality in 2022 and over the longer term is extremely disappointing. 

“We will not meet our water quality objectives until nutrient levels are reduced in those areas where they are too high. Addressing this must be a priority for the agriculture sector and Uisce Éireann to reduce the losses of nutrients to water. 

“While we can see improvements happening in some areas, these are offset by declines elsewhere, so overall there is no discernible change in the biological quality of our rivers or lakes in 2022. Improvements need to be far greater and more widespread to translate into an improving national picture”.