Water quality in Ireland is generally good in comparison with that of most European countries, but has deteriorated significantly from the position which prevailed when water monitoring commenced in 1971. In the intervening three decades, the extent of river channel affected by pollution has significantly increased and some 30% of river channel is now affected by eutrophication, to a greater or lesser extent. Eutrophication of inland freshwaters has been identified by the EPA as "probably Irelands most serious pollution problem". In addition, in March 2001, the EPA identified 17 estuarine waterbodies as eutrophic or potentially eutrophic. A recent report by the EPA on water quality in Ireland in the period 1998 ­ 2000 indicated a halt to the continuing decline, and noted some improvement in river quality but pointed to the need for further major programmes to eliminate water pollution. Eutrophication arises mainly from excess inputs of phosphorus from sources such as farming, sewage and industry. Excess inputs of nitrates also contribute to eutrophication, especially in saline waters, i.e. estuaries, coastal and marine waters.

In 1988 there were an estimated 350,000 septic tank systems installed in Ireland serving a population of approximately 1.2 million and discharging 78 million m_ of wastewater to soil annually. Given that approximately 10,000 new systems are installed each year in Ireland, (FAS, 2000) the current figure is considerably higher. If Ireland is to maintain its high quality of groundwater, septic tank systems related to increasing numbers of one­off houses must be planned for and constructed to highest possible standards.

Useful Documents

Septic tank evaluation, construction and pollution potential related to: Health, One-off housing, Groundwater Protection Scheme and Water Framework Directive.
(MS Word - 121Kb)

Septic Tank and Water quality report - synopsis to aid in preparation of press release and letter to Commission.
(MS Word - 28Kb)

Complaint to the Commission of the European Communities against failure to comply with EU law.
(MS Word - 31Kb)

The Biological Survey of River Quality - Results of the 2001 Investigations.
(PDF Format)

A Report on Water Quality in Ireland 1998-2000 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(PDF Format)