Septic discharge blamed for Galway beach failing to meet EPA water standards

Source: Livestrong

Storm water overflow, Urban runoff and Septic tank discharge has contaminated the bathing water

A total of Seven-Irish beaches have failed to meet minimum standards for water quality - according to data released by the Environmental Protection Agency today.

Five beaches in Dublin, and two in Galway have both been classified as having 'poor' water quality.

Storm water overflow, Urban runoff and Septic tank discharge is being blamed for contaminating the waters of the two Galway beaches.

However, overall the report found the majority bathing waters - 93% of Irish beaches - met minimum EU standards.

EPA Senior Scientific Officer Peter Webster says overall water quality has been excellent across Ireland.

"Overall we've seen quality sustained - typically about three quarters of our waters achieving the excellent standard. 

That's the same standard you'd find on beaches on the European mainland, or Lanzarote or Greece. We should be quite happy at that."

The beaches listed with poor water quality in Ireland are as follows:

Galway: Ballyloughane in Galway City and Clifden in County Galway.

Dublin: Sandymount Strand, Merrion Strand, Loughshinny, Portrane and Rush South.

A full report on the quality of bathing water in Ireland is available HERE.