Dubs urged to check out water quality website

AS THE good weather continues and people flock to beaches all across the Southside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding the public to use Splash, the national bathing water information website, (www.splash.epa.ie).

The sites provides Dubliners residents with up-to-date information on water quality.

The Splash website has an interactive, colour-coded map that allows people to check water quality at any of the 136 designated bathing waters.

Before deciding on the best place to swim, you can find the latest reported water quality, and check if there is any bathing water warning or notification in place at your chosen location.

Irish waters are now classified into one of four categories – Excellent, Good, Sufficient, and Poor.

Most are expected to be in the

‘Excellent’ or

‘Good’ categories but, as recent pollution incidents on Splash have shown, some do have problems – particularly after heavy rain.

New signage, which has been agreed with the Health Service Executive (HSE), is now being used at all bathing waters to advise bathers of any potential pollution problems.

When visiting the beach it is recommended to check out the beach notice board for the latest information.

Peter Webster, EPA Senior Scientist, said:

“With people in Dublin enjoying the current spell of good weather the EPA wants to remind them that Splash can help families, holiday makers, and bathers by providing up to date information on identified bathing waters and the latest water quality at their local beaches.

“As a precaution we don’t advise swimming after heavy rain, if the water is discoloured, or if the local authority has a pollution notice in place.

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Local authorities are also required to engage in a public participation process before identifying bathing waters to the EPA and the EU.

On average, there is one identified bathing water per 30km of coastline and there are a number of local waters which may be less well used which are monitored by local authorities.

Mr Webster added:

“The EPA is working with local authorities to produce guidance on the information the public will require.

“This will allow local authorities to consider the adoption of any new areas as identified bathing waters. It is hoped this will be available later this year.

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