Bathing Waters are an important amenity, valuable for both their tourism and recreational potential. It is important that they are afforded the appropriate protections in accordance with legislation, including the European Union’s Bathing Waters Directive. The Directive requires that water quality at all designated bathing waters meets stringent microbiological standards in order to protect the health of people who choose to bathe there.
Whilst County Monaghan does not have any designated bathing waters our Environmental Services staff do monitor locations that are frequently used for bathing. The areas that we monitor in County Monaghan are known as non-designated bathing waters.
Sampling at the non-designated bathing waters
Monaghan County Council will take samples on a monthly basis from June to September at the following amenity and recreation locations:
- Creevy Lake
- Emy Lough
- Gortnawinny Lake
- Greaghlone Lake
- Halton’s River (Dromore Lake System)
- Hollywood Lake
- Lough Major
- Lough Muckno (bathing area)
- Lough Muckno Black Island Point
- Lough Muckno Water Sports Area
The amenity and recreation sites listed above shall be assessed for compliance with the water quality standards specified in the 2008 Bathing Water Regulations, using the two microbiological parameters, Intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli (e-coli). Samples will be taken and analysed by our contracted laboratory. It takes -3-4 days for the results of sampling to be completed and returned by the lab.
All results will be published on www.beaches.ie
The planned monitoring is aimed at providing an overall assessment of water quality and there is no absolute guarantee that on the day you choose to visit there may not be a problem. Water quality can vary significantly during the day, and from day to day, due e.g. to the influences of rain or sunshine and also the number of bathers using the water at any time. Bathing water quality is however at its most vulnerable after heavy rainfall, or in stormy conditions, which may give rise to higher bacterial counts than normal. Protect your health with the 48 hour rule – Beaches.ie – Beaches.ie
In the event of the detection of a Poor Quality Result. The council will:
- Erect a notice at the site advising not to swim
- Publish results on www.beaches.ie
- Arrange for a further sample to be taken.
Whilst sampling the presence of algal blooms may be recorded by the sampler. In this event Monaghan County Council will erect a notice at the site.
Results from 2022 onwards are available on www.beaches.ie
Out of Season Bathing
Open water swimming, at sea or in lakes and rivers, has both physical and mental health benefits for us all. During colder seasons, there is an increased risks of water borne illness, due to less favourable water quality resulting from increased rainfall and lower UV light outside of summer.
Out of Season Bathing Know the Risks Infographic – Beaches.ie – Beaches.ie
Algal Blooms
During the summer months in particular algal blooms may be recorded by our sampling team on some of Monaghan’s lakes. In this event Monaghan County Council will erect a notice at the site. Algae are a natural phenomenon in many lakes in Ireland. When lake waters are enriched the algae may multiply significantly, particularly during warm weather conditions. Enrichment of lakes occurs due to excessive phosphorus and nitrogen which are often a direct result of human activities agricultural activities, (such as farmyard run-off & chemical fertilizer application), and municipal & industrial waste discharges.
Algal blooms often result in discolouration of the water and a scum may develop on the water surface. Although an ‘algal bloom/scum’ is not always harmful, contact with affected water can cause illnesses such as skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is advisable not to swim or paddle in waters with an algal bloom.
In certain cases, algal blooms and related scums can be harmful to dogs and other animals. Farmers and dog owners should prevent access by their animals to waters where an algal bloom is evident.
If you have any further questions or queries regarding the sampling of our non-designated bathing waters or in relation to algal blooms, please contact Environmental Services.
Email: envservices@monaghancoco.ie
Tel: 042 9661240