River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013 · (v) Finally there are a ... slight drop in the number of...
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River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 1
Report on River Water Quality in County Laois
2013
Contents
1. Overview
2. General Assessment & Trends
3. River Sites for further Investigation
4. 2013 Summary of Laois Rivers
5. Long Term Graphs – o-Phosphate
6. Long Term Graphs - Nitrate
7. Maps
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 2
1. Overview
This report provides an assessment of river water quality in County Laois in 2013. It should be read in conjunction with the other data and assessments provided under the South East River Basin district report. The report is presented in the following sections: (i) Section two of the report provides a general assessment of the state of rivers in the county, with graphs showing trends in annual average o-phosphate and nitrate concentrations in the County since 2001. (ii) The third section identifies the river sites which require further investigation and the suspected causes of pollution. They were selected on the basis of having a Q value less than 4 (i.e. moderate or worse status), poor chemistry, or there were other significant pollution issues. (iii) The fourth section provides a summary assessment of water quality for each river, having regard to the relevant Q values and WFD criteria for the 4 key physico-chemical parameters BOD, ammonia, o-phosphate and Nitrate. (iv) Sections five and six include long term graphs for both o-phosphate and nitrate in Kilkenny Rivers. These are based on three year rolling means. (v) Finally there are a set of maps which provide an indication of river water quality based on the 4 key physico-chemical parameters. These maps compare the annual average for each parameter at each river station against the relevant EQS.
2. General Assessment & Trends Water quality in County Laois remains quite good when compared to the national picture. In terms of ecological status, 64% of river stations in the county are at least good status compared with 65% nationally. The general physico-chemical data suggests an improvement in water quality in 2013 compared to 2012. As indicated in the table below, there was a general decrease in the percentage of river stations which exceeded the Good status EQS for ammonia, o-phosphate, nitrate and BOD levels. The level of decrease in stations which exceeded the Good status EQS for o-phosphate was most significant with a drop of almost 17% over the 2012 data.
Parameter 2013 (%) 2012 (%)
Ammonia 21.9 30.6
o-Phosphate 20.6 37.5
Nitrate 41.1 50.0
BOD 27.4 43.1
Table 1. % of River Stations that exceeded the EQS for Good status for each parameter in 2013 compared to 2012.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 3
The drop in the percentage of rivers which exceeded the Good status for ortho-phosphate was coupled with a drop in the annual ortho-phosphate concentration in Laois rivers in 2013. The ortho-phosphate levels have fluctuated over the time period 2001-2013 but the trend is generally downward since 2004 with the annual average ortho-phosphate concentration in 2013 reaching its lowest level since 2001. Ortho-phosphate remains a problem as the average level is below Good status and the challenge of reducing levels still further remains a considerable one.
Fig. 1. Annual average ortho-phosphate levels in Laois rivers 2001 – 2013.
Similarly to ortho-phosphate there was a drop in the number of sites which exceeded the Good status for the surrogate EQS for Nitrate. Nitrate levels have fallen steadily since 2006 and while the average nitrate concentration is above the surrogate EQS for Good status the levels are approaching the concentration required to meet the Good status. Nitrates are however still a significant problem in Laois Rivers.
Fig. 2. Annual average nitrate levels in Laois rivers 2001 – 2013.
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e (
mg/
LP)
year
o-Phosphate
High/Good
Good/Moderate
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
Me
an N
itra
te (
mg/
LN)
Year
Mean Nitrate
High/Good
Good/Moderate
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 4
With the advent of the Water Framework Directive compliance rules for certain river chemistry determinands were applied to the data collected. Assessment is based on the four most significant contributing parameters to water quality, namely BOD, ammonium, o-phosphate and TON. Sites are identified as passing or failing based on an assessment of the mean and 95%ile of these parameters. Sites fail chemistry where two or more parameters fail the criteria set. While few sites fail two parameters, a significant number of sites fail a single parameter (in the majority of cases this is due to nitrate). Where a site fails one parameter, it is described as being of concern. The data for the Laois rivers since the start of the WFD monitoring (2007) is shown in Table 2. The percentage of sites which fall into each category is trended over 3 year rolling cycles (Figure 3). Chemical monitoring since 2007 indicates an improving trend in all Laois rivers. There was a slight drop in the number of passing stations in 2011-2013 from 2010-2012. This may be due to weather conditions in those years. No sites have failed chemistry in any cycle since 2007 and the number of passing sites has increased from 48 in 2007-2009 to 59 for 2011-2013. While chemical monitoring indicates an improving trend, it is important to also remain focussed on maintaining the status of those sites that are already at good or higher status.
Year No. of Stations Pass Of Concern Fail
2007 - 2009 75 48 27 0
2008 - 2010 74 51 23 0
2009 - 2011 73 53 20 0
2010 - 2012 73 61 12 0
2011 - 2013 72 59 13 0
Table 2. Number of river stations by WFD compliance status
Fig. 3 . % of river stations by WFD compliance status
0
20
40
60
80
100
2007-09 2008-10 2009-11 2010-12 2011-13
Pe
rce
nta
ge %
Years
Laois Rivers
Pass
Concern
Fail
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 5
Table 3. River stations with the highest average ammonia concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).
River name River Code / Station number
Ballyroan 15B01-0200
Stradbally 14S02-0300
Ballyroan 15B01-0100
Barrow 14B01-0200
Cappanacloghy 15C06-0600
Table 4. River stations with the highest average o-phosphate concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).
River Name River Code / Station Number
Erkina 15E01-0200
Stradbally 14S02-0300
Owenass 14O01-0300
Ballyroan 15B01-0200
Ballyroan 15B01-0100
Table 5. River stations with the highest average nitrate concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).
River Name River Code / Station Number
Rathdowney Steam 15R03-0700
Dunrally 14D05-0400
Goul 15G02-0500
Ballyroan 15B01-0200
Stradbally 14S02-0400
Table 6. River stations with the highest average BOD concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).
River Name River Code / Station Number
Ballyroan 15B01-0200
Stradbally 14S02-0300
Ballyroan 15B01-0100
Barrow 14B01-0500
Barrow 14B01-0200
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 6
3. WFD River Sites for further investigation There are over 900 river sites of less than good status across the country – that is they have a biological Q value of 3-4 or less. There are twenty river stations in County Laois that have a Q value of 3-4 or less (from those that are also monitored for chemical determinands). These have been identified as sites for further investigation. Table 9 lists all these sites along with the suspected causes and any relevant additional comments. It is hoped that targeting pollution at these sites will lead to continued improvement in river water quality in the county. Laois is a predominantly rural county with agriculture being one of the main activities in the county. Diffuse pollution from agriculture as well as small point sources such as small urban wastewater treatment plants (UWWT), domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) and farmyards are significant contributory pressures. The predominant pollution sources in the more urbanised areas are discharges from wastewater treatment plants, storm water overflows and industrial discharges. It must be borne in mind that multiple pressures may impact on any given site. Further work is required also in order to better distinguish between the impacts of DWWTS and diffuse agricultural sources. The pathways by which pollutants reach water are similar for those emanating from DWWTS and from agricultural sources, whether farmyard or field. The EPA is responsible for the licensing or certification of all discharges to the aquatic environment from sewerage systems owned, managed and operated by Irish Water. The licensing and certification authorisation process was introduced on a phased basis commencing on 14th December 2007 in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (SI 684 of 2007). Up to the end of 2013 only three licences had been issued in County Laois with the licence to the plant at Ballinakill issued in December 2013. The three licences issued in County Laois to date are shown in table 7 below.
Agglomeration Licence No. Authority Date Issued
Port Laoise D0001-01 Irish Water 29/7/2009
Ballinakill D0384-01 Irish Water 10/12/2013
Clonaslee D0386-01 Irish Water 28/9/2009
Table 7. Wastewater discharge licences issued in Co. Laois up to the end of 2013. A number of other wastewater treatment plants had licence applications pending in 2013.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 7
Agglomeration Licence No. Authority Date Issued
Mountmellick D0152-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Mountrath D0153-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Abbeyleix D0156-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Portarlington D0158-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Rathdowney D0288-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Durrow D0289-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Borris in Ossory D0290-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Ballylynan D0291-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Stradbally D0292-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Ballyroan D0385-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Castletown D0387-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Table 8. Wastewater discharge licences in Co. Laois with applications pending in 2013. Both diffuse and point source pollution are key pressures in Co. Laois. Many of the point sources are due directly to wastewater discharges and it is hoped that the licencing of these plants will show improvements over the coming years. The focus on domestic waste water treatment systems (DWWTS) has continued to increase in recent years. In 2013, a National Inspection Plan for DWWTS was published in response to the European Court of Justice finding that Ireland had not met the legal obligation required by the 1975 Waste Framework Directive to regulate the waste water generated in our unsewered areas. Nationwide inspections commenced in Ireland in the second half of 2013, starting with areas at greatest risk of damage to human health or the environment. Inspections were not carried out in Co. Laois in 2013. The list in Table 9 may be useful in assisting with investigative monitoring, particularly of
diffuse sources of pollution. The point source discharges may be dealt with separately
through licensing and enforcement measures. If sources of pollution affecting rivers can be
reduced or eliminated, this will have a positive knock-on effect on lakes and ground-waters
in the region.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 8
Table 9. River Sites in Co. Laois which may require further investigation
River Code Location Q Value Year Key Pressure Comments
BARROW
14B01-0500
Borness Br 3-4
2011
Urban Diffuse agricultural pressure
Mountmellick WWTP discharges into Owenass which enters Barrow just u/s Pasture & tillage u/s
BARROW
14B010900
Ford S of Trascan
3-4
2011
Urban Agriculture
Portarlington WWTP located u/s
BALLYROAN 15B01-0100 Sallagh Bridge 3-4
2013 Agriculture and mixed rural influences
BALLYROAN 15B01-0200 Gloreen Br 3 2013 Urban Industrial
Abbeyleix town located u/s IPC licenced facility
CROOKED (STRADBALLY)
14C02-0600 Timogue Br 3-4* 2011 Agriculture Heavy siltation in river
DONAGHMORE STREAM
15D03-0700
Donaghmore Br 3-4
2013
Agriculture and mixed rural influences Small discharge from pub
ERKINA
15E01-0200
Coneyburrow Br
3 2013 Urban Industrial
Rathdowney WWTP IPC licenced facility Drop in Q value since 2010
ERKINA
15E01-0550 Durrow Br 3-4 2013 Urban Agriculture and mixed rural influences
Drop in Q value since 2010
FUSHOGE
14F03-0250 Rossmore Br 3-4* 2011 Agriculture Siltation
GLORY 15G01-0040 Br N of Kilmaganny 3-4 2013 Urban Diffuse agricultural pressures
Improvement in ecological quality since 2010
GOUL 15G02-0500 Br near Newtown Mills 3-4 2013 Agriculture and mixed rural influences
Drop in Q value since 2010
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 9
River Code Location Q Value Year Key Pressure Comments
GULLY
15G03-0100
Gortnaclea Br
3-4
2013
Agriculture and mixed rural influences
Drop in Q value from Q4 since 2010
OWENASS 14O01-0300 1.7 km d/s Mountmellick 3-4
2011
Urban Diffuse agricultural pressures
Mountmellick WWTP located u/s and increased population density in town Heavy Siltation in river
Owveg 15O01-0160 Br NW of Boleybawn 3-4* 2013
Agriculture and mixed rural influences
Excessive siltation in river
RATHDOWNEY STREAM
15R03-0700 Br W of Glasha Crossroads 3 2013
Agriculture Mining
RATHDOWNEY STREAM
15R03-1100 Br in Rathdowney 3 2013
Urban Rathdowney village
TONET 15T01-0400 Rossnaclonagh Br 3 2013 Agriculture
TONET 15T01-0600 Anatrim Br 3-4 2013 Agriculture
TRIOGUE
14T01-0100
Equestrian Centre Br on R426
3-4
2011
Urban Agriculture
One off housing (DWWTS) Equestrian centre
TRIOGUE
14T01-0300
Eyne Br
3
2011
Urban (sewage) Agriculture
d/s Portlaoise
TRIOGUE
14T01-0400
Triogue Br (on R422)
3-4
2011
Urban Agriculture and mixed rural influences
Diffuse urban pollution from Mountmellick.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 10
4. 2013 Summary of River Water Quality in Co. Laois
These assessments are based on physico-chemical measurements made during 2013, and the most
recent Q values and assessments of the river biologists.
The Nore sub-catchment upstream of Ballyragget is listed as a protected habitat under the Freshwater Pearl Mussel
Regulations (SI 296 of 2009). The protected habitats include the main channel of the Nore upstream of Ballyragget, and all
of the following tributaries: Ballyroan, Cappanacloghy, Delour, Donaghmore, Erkina, Errill, Goul, Gully, Killeen (Slieve
Blooms), Mountrath, Owveg, Rathdowney Stream and Tonet.
River Remarks Change from 2012
Barrow
14B01-0060
14B01-0100 Q4-5(2011)
14B01-0200 Q4 (2011)
14B01-0300 Q4 (2011)
14B01-0500 Q3-4 (2011)
14B01-0550
14B01-0700 Q4 (2011)
14B01-0780 Q4 (2011)
14B01-0900 Q3-4 (2011)
14B01-1000 Q4 (2011)
14B01-1300 Q4 (2011)
14B01-1500 Q3-4 (2011)
14B01-1600
14B01-1900 Q4 (2011)
14B01-2000
14B01-2200 Q3-4 (2011)
14B01-2450
The Barrow rises in the Slieve Bloom
mountains and flows through counties Laois,
Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford. It
converges with the Nore and Suir rivers before
discharging to Waterford Harbour. Stations
1000, 1500 & 1600 are in Kildare, but are
included in this assessment for continuity.
Colour is high at times in the river. High
ammonia was observed from station 0200
(0.99mg/LN) in January through to stn 0900.
Elevated ammonia was again seen in stns
0900 through to 2450 in October. These was
a general fall in o-phosphate in the period of
the WFD monitoring however the levels
increased at stns 0900 and 1900 over the
2011-2013 cycle. Biological monitoring of the
river indicates good ecological conditions in
most of this stretch, however quality remains
moderate at station 0500 (d/s confluence with
Owenass river and Mountmellick), and at
stations 0900, 1500 and 2200.
No significant change from 2012.
Blackwater (Laois)
14B03-1000 Q4 (2011)
This river is located between Portlaoise and
Mountmellick in an agricultural area. River is
coloured (naturally), otherwise satisfactory
quality. Ammonia was slightly elevated in
March, otherwise Physico-chemical
monitoring was satisfactory. o-phosphate
levels continue to decrease and re
approaching Good status. Biological
assessment in 2011 also indicated satisfactory
quality.
No significant change from 2012.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 11
River Remarks Change from 2012
Crooked (Stradbally)
14C02-0600 Q3-4*(2011)
This river flows through agricultural land in Co.
Laois and is a tributary of the Stradbally.
Physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory,
with the o-Phosphate aveages approaching
‘High’ status. The biological assessment in
2011 recorded abundant algal growth and
heavy siltation and a deterioration from good
to moderate quality since 2009.
Improvement in chemistry over
2011-2013 period.
Douglas
14D03-0100 Q4-5 (2011)
14D03-0300
This river flows through agricultural land in
east Co. Laois. Physico-chemical monitoring
shows an improvement in o-phosphate and
nitrate over the last 3 year cycle of the WFD
monitoring period. Biological monitoring
indicates good ecological conditions at station
0100 (Gale’s Bridge).
Improvement in chemistry over
2011-2013 period.
Dunrally Stream
14D05-0400 Q4 (2011)
Nitrates are elevated, otherwise chemical
monitoring is satisfactory. o-Phosphate levels
are at ‘High’ status. Biological monitoring
indicates good conditions.
No significant change from 2012.
Fushoge
14F03-0250 Q3-4* (2011)
This river flows through agricultural land and
is a tributary of the Barrow. Physico-chemical
monitoring shows an improvement in nitrate
levels over the WFD monitoring period with
levels approaching ‘High’ status. The levels of
o-phosphate increased, however this trend
was reversed in the last 3 year cycle 2011-
2013. Chemical Biological monitoring
indicates moderate quality, and excessive
siltation was also recorded.
No significant change from 2012.
Kileen (Crumpaun)
14K04-0200
Physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory
however both o-phosphate and nitrate levels
remain at ‘Moderate’ status.
No change from 2012.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 12
River Remarks Change from 2012
Owenass
14O01-0050 Q4 (2009)
14O01-0220 Q4-5 (2011)
14O01-0300 Q3-4*(2011)
This river rises in the Slieve Bloom mountains,
and flows through agricultural land and
through Mountmellick in Co. Laois. At stn 300
the o-phosphate and nitrate levels remained
at the reduced 2012 levels in 2013 and while
the biological monitoring indicates only
moderate quality, there is an improved
diversity of sensitive macro-invertebrates at
this location.
No change from 2012.
Stradbally (Bauteaogue)
14S02-0100 Q4 (2011)
14S02-0300
14S02-0400 Q4 (2011)
High DO recorded through river at times
particularly at stn 0400. BOD was slightly
elevated throughout 2013 at stn 0300 and in
July ammonia , BOD and ortho-phosphate
were all high with the water having a milky
apperance. Mean o-Phosphate levels have
increased over the period of the WFD
monitoring. Biological monitoring indicates
good ecological conditions.
No significant change from 2012.
Triogue
14T01-0100 Q3-4 (2011)
14T01-0170
14T01-0300 Q3 (2011)
14T01-0400 Q3-4 (2011)
The Triogue is a small river that flows through
Portlaoise. The final effluent from Portlaoise
WWTP discharges to it u/s of station 0170.
A slight increase in ammonia levels d/s of
Portlaoise WWTP was recorded in 2012,
however BOD levels decreased at the same
location. Biological assessments indicate that
quality remains only moderate.
No significant change from 2012.
Ballyroan (Gloreen)
15B01-0100 Q3-4 (2013)
15B01-0200 Q3 (2013)
High BOD, ammonia, ortho-phosphate and
nitrate recorded at times during 2012 at
station 0200 (d/s Abbeyleix) and biological
assessments indicate only poor quality at this
station.
No change from 2012.
Cappanacloughy
15C06-0600
15C06-0900 Q4 (2013)
(Q3 at station 0400 in
2013)
This river is downstream of Coolnamona bog
which causes high colour and siltation in the
river. Elevated ammonia was observed at
station 0600 (Cloncourse Br) throughout 2013.
No change from 2012.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 13
River Remarks Change from 2012
Delour
15D01-0060 Q4-5 (2013)
15D01-0400 Q4-5 (2013)
The Delour rises in the Slieve Bloom
Mountains and is a tributary of the Nore.
Water can be coloured at times, but ecological
quality is high.
No change from 2012.
Donaghmore
15D03-0700 Q3-4 (2013)
This river is a tributary of the Erkina in Co.
Laois. Ecological quality is moderate.
No change from 2012.
Erkina
15E01-0100
15E01-0200 Q3 (2013)
15E01-0550 Q3-4 (2013)
The Erkina is a tributary of the Nore and flows
through Rathdowney and Durrow. Elevated
levels of ammonia in May and October and
elevated o-phosphate and nitrate levels in
August and October noted at station 0200 (d/s
Rathdowney). Average o-phosphate levels
have increased at stn 0200 over the period of
the WFD monitoring. Biological
monitoring indicates a reduction in ecological
quality at stns 0200 to Poor quality and stn
0500 to moderate quality.
Decrease in ecological quality at
stns 0200 and 0550 since 2010.
Errill
15E03-0400
(Q3-4 at station 0500 in
2013)
Colour is naturally high. Physico-chemical
monitoring is satisfactory. o-Phosphate and
nitrate levels are approaching ‘High’ status.
No change from 2012.
Goul
15G02-0500 Q4 (2010)
The Goul is a tributary of the Erkina and flows
past Johnstown and Urlingford in Co. Kilkenny,
before flowing into Co. Laois. It receives
effluent from the lead and zinc mine at
Galmoy which ceased mining in November
2012. Ammonia, BOD and o-phosphate levels
have decreased at this station in recent years.
There was one elevated ammonia noted in
May 2013.
The improvement in recent years
continues.
Gully
15G03-0100 Q3 (2013)
15G03-0300 Q4 (2013)
No significant change in chemical monitoring.
Average o-phosphate and nitrate levels have
decreased at both Stns in the 3 year cycles
over the period of the WFD monitoring.
Ecological conditions have decreased from
good to poor quality at Stn 0100 since 2010.
Decrease in ecological quality at
Stn 0100 since 2010.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 14
River Remarks Change from 2012
Holly Park Stream
15H01-0200
15H01-0300
This river flows through agricultural land in
south Co. Laois. Chemistry generally
satisfactory.
No change from 2012.
Killeen (S. Blooms)
15K01-0200 Q4-5 (2013)
Natural colour can be high at times, but
ecological quality is high.
No change from 2012.
Mountrath
15M01-0080
15M01-0100 Q4 (2013)
15M01-0300 Q4 (2013)
River can be coloured at times, otherwise the
physico-chemical results are satisfactory, and
this is reflected in good ecological quality
throughout the river.
No change from 2012.
Nore
15N01-0300 Q4 (2013)
15N01-0400
15N01-0500 Q4 (2013)
15N01-0600
15N01-0700 Q4 (2013)
15N01-0800
15N01-0900 Q4 (2013)
15N01-1000
15N01-1100 Q4 (2013)
15N01-1200
15N01-1300
This river is 141 km in length and has a
catchment area of 2530 km2. It flows through
counties Tipperary, Laois and Kilkenny, before
joining the River Barrow at New Ross. These
rivers then join the Suir and flow into
Waterford Harbour. The Nore is a Designated
Salmonid River under the Freshwater Fish
Directive (78/659/EEC). It flows through
mainly agricultural land, but also some
peatland. It also passes through, or close to
Borris-in Ossory, Mountrath, Abbeyleix,
Durrow, Ballyragget, Kilkenny, Bennettsbridge
and Thomastown. Biological monitoring
indicates good ecological conditions on the
Nore, however ammonia remains high at
station 0300 (d/s Monaincha Bog) and at
station 0400 (New Br NNW of Borris-in-
Ossory). Elevated ammonia and BOD were
observed at stn.1000 in March and April 2013.
No significant change from 2012.
Owveg (or Owenbeg)
15O01-0050 Q4 (2013)
15O01-0160 Q3-4*(2013)
15O01-0400 Q4 (2013)
This river rises in Co. Laois and forms part of
the Kilkenny/Laois border. Physico-chemical
monitoring is satisfactory. Ecological
conditions are good at stations 0050 and 0400
but the quality has decreased at station
0160(Br. WNW of Boleybawn).
Decrease in ecological quality at
stn. 0160 since 2010.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 15
River Remarks Change from 2012
Rathdowney Stream
15R03-0700 Q3 (2013)
15R03-1100 Q3 (2013)
This is a small stream that rises in Galmoy
(near the lead and zinc mine). It joins the
Erkina near Rathdowney. Nitrates are
elevated in the river. Ecological quality has
dropped from moderate to poor, with
siltation at both stations.
Decrease in ecological quality
since 2010.
Tonet
15T01-0400 Q3 (2013)
15T01-0600 Q3-4 (2013)
The Tonet rises in the Slieve Bloom mountains
and flows in to the Delour. Colour can be high
at times. Elevated BOD at both stations in
May. Ecological quality has decreased from
good quality to moderate at stn. 0600 and
poor quality at station 0400 since 2010..
Decrease in ecological quality
since 2010.
Clodiagh (Tullamore)
25C06-0090 Q4 (2008)
25C06-0220 Q4* (2011)
The Clodiagh rises in the Slieve Bloom
mountains and flows through Clonaslee into
Co. Offaly. There is a SW abstraction point
above the first station, which supplies water
for Clonaslee and Tullamore. Physico-
chemical monitoring is satisfactory. The
biological assessment in 2011 indicated good
to high quality all along the river.
No change from 2012.
Gorragh
25G09-0300 Q4 (2011)
This river is a tributary of the Clodiagh
(Tullamore). Physico-chemical monitoring was
satisfactory in 2013 and ecological conditions
are good.
No change from 2012.
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 16
5. Long Term Trend Graphs – o-Phosphate
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Blackwater
14B03-1000
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Crooked (Stradbally)
14C02-0600
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Barrow
14B01-0060
14B01-0200
14B01-0500
14B01-0700
14B01-0900
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 17
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Douglas
14D03-0100
14D03-0300
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Fushoge
14F03-0250
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Owenass
14O01-0050
14O01-0220
14O01-0300
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 18
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
Stradbally River
14S02-0100
14S02-0300
14S02-0400
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Triogue
14T01-0100
14T01-0170
14T01-0300
14T01-0400
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Ballyroan (Gloreen)
15B01-0100
15B01-0200
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 19
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Delour
15D01-0060
15D01-0400
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
Donaghmore Stream
15D03-0700
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Erkina
15E01-0100
15E01-0200
15E01-0550
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 20
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Errill
15E03-0400
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Goul
15G02-0500
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Gully
15G03-0300
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 21
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
Holly Park Stream
15H01-0200
15H01-0300
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Mountrath
15M01-0080
15M01-0100
15M01-0300
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Nore
15N01-0400
15N01-0600
15N01-0800
15N01-1000
15N01-1200
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 22
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Owveg (Owenbeg)
15O01-0050
15O01-0160
15O01-0400
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
Rathdowney Stream
15R03-0700
15R03-1100
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Tonet
15T01-0400
15T01-0600
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 23
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an o
-Ph
osp
hat
e m
g/LP
Year
River Clodiagh
25C06-0090
25C06-0220
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 24
6. Long Term Trend Graphs – Nitrate
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an N
itra
te m
g/LN
Year
River Barrow
14B01-0060
14B01-0200
14B01-0550
14B01-0700
14B01-0900
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an N
itra
te m
g/LN
year
River Barrow
14B01-1300
14B01-1900
14B01-2200
14B01-2450
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an N
itra
te m
g/LN
Year
River Blackwater
14B03-1000
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 25
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an N
itra
te m
g/LN
Year
River Crooked (Stradbally)
14C02-0600
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an N
itra
te m
g/LN
Year
River Douglas
14D03-0100
14D03-0300
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an N
itra
te m
g/LN
year
River Fushoge
14F03-0250
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 26
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an N
itra
te m
g/LN
Year
River Owenass
14O01-0050
14O01-0220
14O01-0300
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an N
itra
te m
g/LN
Year
River Stradbally
14S02-0100
14S02-0300
14S02-0400
0.000
1.000
2.000
3.000
4.000
5.000
6.000
2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013
Me
an N
itra
te m
g/LN
Year
River Triogue
14T01-0100
14T01-0170
14T01-0300
14T01-0400
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 27
7. River Water Quality Maps
Map 1. River Water Quality: Laois BOD Assessment 2013
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 28
Map 2. River Water Quality: Laois Ammonia Assessment 2013
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 29
Map 3. River Water Quality: Laois Ortho-Phosphate Assessment 2013
River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 30
Map 4. River Water Quality: Laois Total Oxidised Nitrogen (TON) Assessment 2013