The EPA’s latest Water Quality Indicator reports an increase in Irish water bodies of the highest quality, but an overall percentage decline.

41 sites were given the highest possible value of Q5 on the Q-value biological index as a measure of ecological health, up from 32 at the end of 2021.

Overall, the report concludes “no significant change” to biological quality with improvements offset by declines elsewhere.

Waters of LIFE IP works with landowners and communities to protect and restore high quality water status in Ireland with results based measures.

“There are a range of pressures from human activities which impact on water quality and all sectors have a role to play in improving water quality,” says the report launched on Day 1 of the EPA’s Water Conference 2024.

You can click here to read the report in full.