Drinking water supplies at one of the country’s most popular bathing spots had potentially dangerous levels of a carcinogenic substance at the height of the summer, according to the environmental regulator.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had sufficient authority and information to issue an emergency order to protect Michigan residents from lead-contaminated water as early as June 2015 - seven months before it declared an emergency, a watchdog has found.

Two state employees facing charges related to the Flint water crisis in Michigan are accused of refusing to order chemical treatment that could have prevented the release of lead in old plumbing.

As another Atlantic storm bears down on the country today threatening to bring flooding in its wake, tens of thousands of homes could face days without clean drinking water thanks to the 170km/h storms that battered Ireland on Wednesday.

The quality of drinking water in “high-status” rivers and lakes has dropped dramatically in recent years.

A surprising amount of potentially damaging activities, which are not regulated, can take place close to sensitive water bodies.

Taking steps to ensure water quality is maintained, and protect against environmental changes are highlighted in a report, writes Donal Hickey