Water & Communities: Working Together to Improve Water Environment

The Water Framework Directive was introduced by the European Union to protect and improve water quality in rivers, lakes, estuaries, costal waters and groundwater. Under this directive a River Basin Management Plan and Programme of Measures is drawn up every six years and sets out how public bodies, stakeholders and local communities can work together...

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Drinking Water in Ireland

On 1st January 2014 Irish Water became responsible for the production, distribution and monitoring of drinking water from over 1000 public water supplies, serving 82.0% of the population. The remainder of the population is supplied by group water schemes (6.6%), small private supplies (0.8%) and private wells (10.6%) that are exempt under the Regulations.  Responsibility for the water quality rests with...

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Bottled Water Regulations Parameters and Quality Values

Have you ever wondered about the difference between Spring Water, Mineral Water, Sparkling Water and Tap Water. Directive 2003/40/EC established the list, concentration limits and labeling requirements for the constituents of natural mineral waters and the conditions for using ozone-enriched air for the treatment of natural mineral waters and spring waters. The directive was enabled...

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Priority Substances in Water Directive : The Irish Presidency secured approval

The Priority Substances in Water Directive controls emissions, losses and discharges of so-called ‘priority substances’ to water by establishing environmental quality standards (EQSs) for them in water and requiring monitoring programmes.  The substances concerned include chemicals, certain metals, biocides, plant protection products and dioxins. For substances classified as priority hazardous substances, the legislation requires their...

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Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources

On 17 December 2012, the EU’s Environment Ministers adopted conclusions setting out key actions to improve governance by those involved in managing water resources Improving land use Addressing water pollution Increasing water efficiency and resilience. The conclusions are the Council’s first response to the recent Commission communication“A blueprint to safeguard Europe’s water resources” and underline...

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Water Parameters and Quality Values: Dangerous Substances Directive

Directive 2006/11/EC on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community defines Standards for Phosphorus in waters.  Known as the Dangerous Substances Directive it replaces Directive 76/464/EEC. The directive is implemented in Ireland by S.I.684/2007 Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007

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Water Reuse – Greywater Systems – Guidelines and Standards

The reuse of greywater and rainwater gains in importance due to high prices for public supplies of water. For greywater systems to become accepted, it is important to ensure good water quality and to minimize the potential risks associated with reusing the water. Testing of greywater systems can be carried out to the following existing...

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European Environment Agency’s environmental information – Mobile Applications

Access EEA’s environmental information and data with new mobile apps. The Noise Meter uses a built in microphone on your hand held device to determine the level of sounds it detects, and displays this in decibels (dB). It has been designed solely to measure noise levels wherever you are. Send your readings to be displayed...

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Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland

Serious deficiencies exist with urban waste water treatment plants and there are widespread and negative impacts on the environment flowing from these deficiencies. The EPA report “Focus on Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland” (February 2012) has identified that almost 50% of urban waste water treatment facilities in Ireland do not meet EU waste water quality...

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