Ground Water Monitoring Programme

Executive Summary

The main objectives of the groundwater quality monitoring programme are to:

• Establish that groundwater quality reflects the geological characteristics of the aquifers, and check whether it is impaired by anthropogenic influences;
• Define the state of groundwater quality and to detect changes and trends of quality on a national basis;
• Comply with National and EU Legislation, especially the Nitrates Directive;
• Identify any groundwater affected by pollution;
•  Repeat monitoring for nitrates (NO₃) every four years in aquifers where nitrate concentrations greater than 25 mg/l NO₃ have been found;
•  Identify vulnerable zones
• Identify user requirements and activities that affect the quantity and quality of groundwater