Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 1

Written Answers. - Water Pollution.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

81 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the regulations and limits which apply to nitrates in water systems, that is, rivers, lakes, canals and so on; the level for nitrates in water for human consumption; the plans, if any, to establish the level of pollution by nitrates in waterways nationally; the plans, if any, to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24207/98]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. D. Wallace)

Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources specifies a limit of 50 mg/l, milligrams per litre in respect of surface freshwaters and groundwaters. This limit represents a threshold for the designation of vulnerable zones and the establishment of action programmes in respect of such zones. The measures required under such action programmes are designed to reduce pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources in designated vulnerable zones.

Under the terms of the directive, an extensive programme of monitoring was carried out by local authorities in 1992 and 1993 to establish a baseline for assessing and combating nitrate pollution problems. The results of this monitoring showed that, in general, nitrate levels were well below the standard of 50 mg/l identified in the directive. As a consequence, there was no basis for designating vulnerable zones under the directive in Ireland.

In January 1997 local authorities were requested to carry out a one-year repeat programme of monitoring of nitrate levels in surface waters and groundwaters, as required under the directive. Reports on this monitoring programme have been received by my Department from nearly all relevant local authorities and are being assessed. These assessments will include a review of the need for designation of vulnerable zones.

Pursuant to the requirements of Directive 80/778/EEC relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption, the European Communities (Quality of Water Intended for Human Consumption) Regulations, 1988, specify a maximum admissible concentration of 50 mg/l in respect of nitrates in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency publishes annual reports on the monitoring of drinking water supplies, including details in relation to nitrate levels in public, group and small-private supplies throughout the country. Copies of these reports are in the Oireachtas Library.