Survey finds low level of nitrates in Irish waters

By Jack Kennedy

25 September 2004: Nitrate levels in Irish streams and rivers are running well below EU safety levels, according to a survey conducted by the Irish Farmers Journal. Water samples collected this summer from streams and rivers in the agriculturally intensive and more densely populated regions of the country found nitrate levels well below the 50 mg/l EU nitrate standard.

Our spot samples from rivers and streams in the East and South of the country had nitrate levels ranging from just 1.8 mg nitrate/litre to a high of only 13.6 mg nitrate/litre (see map).

These results should be seen in the context of a the recommended EU guideline value of 25-mg/l. Indeed, for the protection of human health, the national surface Water and Drinking Water regulations require that nitrate concentrations in raw water intended for human consumption and in drinking water must not exceed 50-mg/l nitrates.

To further strengthen the belief that nitrates are generally not a problem in the Irish context, it must be borne in mind that the samples were taken during July and August when rivers were at a very low water level. This would be expected to lead to elevated levels of nitrates due to the lower dilution effect.

These results further strengthen the Irish argument for derogation against the impending Nitrates Directive, for which an Action Plan is due to be submitted to Brussels towards the end of September.

One of the main aims of the Nitrates Directive is to impose stocking rate (organic nitrogen) restrictions on all farms, thus limiting the potential of future expansion and future viability of farming in Ireland.

Indeed the results of the Journal survey should come as no surprise considering the results of river sampling in recent years. In the 2000 EPA millennium report on river quality in Ireland the authors stated

"In general the available date show that the level of nitrate enrichment in Irish surface waters is moderate and well within the limits set for abstraction and drinking waters.'' The EPA data shows that median nitrate levels at selected river locations throughout the country are generally less than the EU guideline limit of 25 mg/litre NO3