Groundwater nitrates levels increased in 2023
Nitrate remained too high in rivers, groundwater, and estuaries in the southeast, southwest, midlands, and east.
In its annual nitrates derogation report to the EU, the Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed a 2023 increase in nitrates in groundwater, with little change in river nitrates.
The EPA expressed concern at the 22% of groundwater monitoring sites with mean nitrate concentration greater than 25 mg/l (and 6% above the regulatory groundwater threshold of 37.5 mg), because "they are a significant deviation from natural conditions, and are approaching the threshold where drinking water may be compromised". Nitrates in groundwater may also damage the ecological health of rivers and associated marine waters.
