river water quality report laois - 2013 · (v) finally there are a ... slight drop in the number of...

River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013

Environmental Protection Agency

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



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.



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



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



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


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


Owenass 14O01-0300



Table 5. River stations with the highest average nitrate concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).


Rathdowney Steam 15R03-0700

Dunrally 14D05-0400

Goul 15G02-0500



Table 6. River stations with the highest average BOD concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).





Barrow 14B01-0500

Barrow 14B01-0200



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.



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.

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/water/wastewater/EPA_National_Inspection_Plan_2013.pdf



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 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.



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.





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.


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.


Kileen (Crumpaun)

14K04-0200

Physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory

however both o-phosphate and nitrate levels

remain at ‘Moderate’ status.

No 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.


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.


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.


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.


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.





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.


Donaghmore

15D03-0700 Q3-4 (2013)

This river is a tributary of the Erkina in Co.

Laois. Ecological quality is moderate.


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.


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.


Stn 0100 since 2010.




Holly Park Stream

15H01-0200

15H01-0300

This river flows through agricultural land in

south Co. Laois. Chemistry generally

satisfactory.


Killeen (S. Blooms)

15K01-0200 Q4-5 (2013)

Natural colour can be high at times, but

ecological quality is high.


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.


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.


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).


stn. 0160 since 2010.




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.


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.




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



7. River Water Quality Maps

Map 1. River Water Quality: Laois BOD Assessment 2013



Map 2. River Water Quality: Laois Ammonia Assessment 2013



Map 3. River Water Quality: Laois Ortho-Phosphate Assessment 2013



Map 4. River Water Quality: Laois Total Oxidised Nitrogen (TON) Assessment 2013

river water quality report laois - 2013 · (v) finally there are a ... slight drop in the number of...

Documents