On-line Water Quality

The Environment Protection Section of Laois County Council monitors the quality of surface waters (rivers) within county Laois. Samples are presently taken from 48 fixed sample locations on a monthly basis and analysed in our water laboratory. Results from these samples are used to determine if we are achieving water quality targets as specified in the Phosphorus Regulations (S.I. No. 258 / 1998 Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 (Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus) Regulations, 1998.)

Historically, the Environment Protection Section operated a sampling programme on three levels.

Catchment Sampling: samples are taken from the main tributaries of the river Barrow and river Nore in Laois on a monthly basis i.e. river Triogue, Stradbally, Erkina, Goul etc…. The purpose of this sampling method is to determine compliance with the above Phosphorus Regulations. This programme is still active.

Sub-Catchment Sampling: samples were taken on a monthly basis for twelve months only in each sub-catchment. These samples were taken to obtain an indication of water quality. This programme is no longer active.

Focus Point Sampling: samples were taken on a monthly basis for three months only at locations on minor streams and rivers within county Laois. These samples were taken as an indicator of water quality. This programme is no longer active.

Some sample locations in Laois County Council On-line Water Quality have no recent data available. These sample locations are locations that have been previously sampled under the sub-catchment and focus point programmes.

The Water Framework Directive will require Laois County Council to undertake additional sampling points from the 22^nd December 2006.