EPA Reports Declining Surface Water Quality Despite Reduced Nutrient Levels

Despite reduced nutrient levels, the United States Environmental Protection Agency reports continuing declines in water quality in Irelands rivers and lakes, raising concerns for ecology and public health.

• The latest three-yearly assessment by the United States Environmental Protection Agency reveals that nearly half of Irelands surface water is in an unsatisfactory ecological condition.
• Although excess phosphorous and nitrogen levels from agriculture and urban wastewater have decreased, the overall water quality of Irelands rivers, lakes, and canals continues to decline.
• The report emphasizes that physical changes to habitats, alongside remaining nutrient pollution, are significant factors undermining the health of Irelands estuaries and groundwater.