High Nitrate Levels in Drinking Water Supplies

Farm Nitrates in Drinking Water

In a recent report, the Irish EPA has issued a warning that just under half of Irish rivers (47%), just under a quarter of groundwater (24%) and over one fifth of estuary and coastal waters (21%) have nitrogen levels that are too high. It noted that many of the rivers in south of Ireland including the counties of Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford are under pressure with excessive nitrogen caused by intensive farming, including intensive dairy farming and other agricultural activities. There are many private water wells in the intensive farming areas of these counties, particularly in the Golden Vale and Mid-West region, many of which could be affected by high nitrogen levels. To protect your family’s health and ensure...

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Cancer Linked to THM’s in Drinking Water

A team of researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Europe, have shown a link (by as much as 5%) to some bladder cancers by the use of chlorination for treating public drinking water in Ireland and some other European countries. In the research, chlorine is shown as being the most common chemical disinfectant used in the purification of surface water for drinking purposes. However, in the chlorination process, free chlorine reacts with organic compounds in the water which then creates byproducts including THM’s (Trihalomethanes), which are being associated with a bladder cancer risk. Countries showing the highest levels of bladder cancer cases linked to THM’s were Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Malta and Spain where chlorination is generally...

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EU Commission Water Contamination Case

In August last year, the EU Commission began an infringement case against Ireland for failure to ensure drinking water was safe for over 500,000 consumers from a chemical linked to cancer and other health issues. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Ireland for failing to fulfill its obligations under the EU Drinking Water Directive by allowing excessive levels of Trihalomethanes (THM) in some Irish drinking water supplies. According to the Commission, the Irish authorities had “not taken appropriate actions” to bring down the amount of THM in drinking water. The Commission is also pursuing the Irish state for failing to notify consumers of the health implications as required under the EU Directive. Read more..

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Recycling Waste Water into Drinking Water

According to a report in thejournal.ie, Irish Water may consider recycling waste water from sewage treatment plants and turn it into water which can be used for other purposes, including drinking water, to prevent future shortages. Recycled waste water is used in many countries across the world, but it is mostly used for irrigation and usually used during droughts. Other proposals in the report by Irish Water in order to meet its objectives include the treatment of seawater by desalination, new water abstraction points, the building of new reservoirs, demand management and improvement to water treatment plants. For more details, click here to read or download the full report.

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