Irish water quality under pressure as a result of human activities

A total of 583 samples were collected over four days across Ireland, with 33 of the 46 river catchments nationwide also being included; rivers were also the most sampled waterbody in the survey, followed by streams and canals. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

A new survey conducted of Ireland's waterways has found that litter, nitrates, and phosphates are major problems in many areas.

Conducted by 'citizen scientists' under the guidance of Dublin City University’s Water Institute and environmental charity Earthwatch, the survey found Irish water quality to be under increased pressure from human activities, particularly in urban areas and in the east of the country.