EPA: No Major Improvement in Water Quality in 2025, Standards Unsatisfactory
The EPA reported no major improvements in water quality in 2025, with many areas remaining unsatisfactory due to excess nutrients from agriculture and wastewater. Over half of water bodies are in good biological quality, but high nitrate and phosphorus levels persist. The agency urges accelerated, targeted actions to restore water quality, citing localized successes.
Annual data released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that no significant improvements in water quality were achieved in 2025, with standards remaining unsatisfactory across numerous areas. The primary challenges stem from excessive nutrient levels originating from agriculture and wastewater, as phosphorous and nitrate concentrations continue to exceed recommended limits.
The EPA emphasizes the necessity of accelerating both the pace and scale of measures aimed at restoring water quality. Today's report provides an annual update on key indicators concerning the health of Ireland's rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal regions. Slightly over half of these water bodies are reported to be in good or better biological quality.
While nutrient levels fluctuate annually, they consistently remain too high, and any observed improvements are not being sustained. Excessive nitrogen or phosphorus in water bodies can lead to algal overgrowth, which depletes oxygen levels and negatively impacts the overall ecological balance of the habitat. Specifically, 43% of rivers exhibit elevated nitrate concentrations, a problem particularly acute in the east and southeast. Furthermore, over 30% of lakes have excessive phosphorous concentrations, with this issue being especially pronounced in the border region.
Despite the lack of overall national improvement, the EPA highlights localized success stories that could contribute to broader water quality enhancement efforts. For instance, in the Ballyteigue Bannow catchment in Co Wexford, six of the 16 rivers surveyed in 2025 demonstrated improved biological quality. Dr. Jenny Deakin of the EPA stressed the importance of identifying the specific changes that led to these improvements, enabling this information to inform actions in other areas. The agency advocates for wider actions commensurate with the scale of the problem, calling for targeted interventions tailored to specific water bodies to expedite water quality improvements.