EPA publishes report on Bathing Water Quality in Clare

CONNOLLY, Ireland - May 2, 2013 - PRLog -- In 2012, bathing waters were classified into three categories, namely ‘Good’, ‘Sufficient’ and ‘Poor’. The classification system is based on the levels of E. Coli and intestinal enterococci detected in the bathing water during the 2012 bathing season.

10 bathing areas around Clare were adjudged to have ‘Good Water Quality’ having complied with EU Guide and Mandatory levels. They include White Strand (Milltown Malbay), Ballycuggeran (Lough Derg), Cappa Pier (Kilrush), Bishopsquarter, White Strand (Doonbeg), Kilkee, Spanish Point, Lahinch, Fanore and Mountshannon (Lough Derg). Meanwhile, Ballyalla Lake (Ennis) was deemed to have ‘Sufficient Water Quality’.

According to Mr. Paul Moroney Senior Engineer, Clare County Council: “Ten out of the eleven designated bathing areas monitored by Clare  County Council achieved ‘Good’ status despite the remarkably high rainfall experienced during the bathing season. The exception was Ballyalla Lake, which achieved ‘Sufficient’ status. Whilst this lake is a designated bathing area, it is also a wildfowl reserve which would have had some impact on the water quality as samples are taken close to the shoreline.”

“We are particularly delighted to see ‘Good Water Quality’ status restored at White Strand in Miltown Malbay, which was the subject of a ‘Poor Water Quality’ rating the previous year when 1 sample out of the 9 exceeded guide line and mandatory pollution limits,” Mr. Moroney added.