The EPA monitors environmental pollutants and radiation to assess the impact on the environment and human health. Monitoring is undertaken across a broad range of thematic areas to provide a reliable and meaningful assessment of our environment. Information is made available to the public, stakeholders and policymakers to help them make informed decisions.
Check out what's happening, what's being done and the action you can take to improve the quality of your environment.
How water quality is monitored and assessed at our designated bathing waters to keep swimmers safe and healthy.
A collection of frequently asked questions about monitoring and assessment to assist you with your queries.
popular FAQs about freshwater & marine
My application on EDEN has a status as 'screening'. What does this mean, and how long does the screening stage typically take?
Abstractions between 25 and 1,999 cubic metres /day inclusive require assessment(s) to determine if a licence is required. Until assessment(s) have been completed, the status of the application on EDEN will be “screening”.
For a proposed new abstraction between 25 and 1,999 cubic metres /day inclusive or any increase to an existing abstraction such that revised abstraction volume will be in the range of 25 – 1,999m3/day, assessment(s) to determine if a licence is required usually take up to 2 months. This assessment period may be longer in certain circumstances. Such new or increased abstractions cannot commence until authorised to do so.
My application on EDEN has a status as 'screening'. What does this mean, and how long does the screening stage typically take?
Abstractions between 25 and 1,999 cubic metres /day inclusive require assessment(s) to determine if a licence is required. Until assessment(s) have been completed, the status of the application on EDEN will be “screening”.
For a proposed new abstraction between 25 and 1,999 cubic metres /day inclusive or any increase to an existing abstraction such that revised abstraction volume will be in the range of 25 – 1,999m3/day, assessment(s) to determine if a licence is required usually take up to 2 months. This assessment period may be longer in certain circumstances. Such new or increased abstractions cannot commence until authorised to do so.
Where can I find information on water quality for my local river or lake?
Catchments.ie shares science and stories about water quality in Ireland. This includes water quality data for all waterbodies in Ireland, the EPA Water Map and 46 catchment assessments.
You can also use the EPA's My Local Environment Map to show you what is near you by entering your Eircode.
I want to help look after my local river or lake. What should I do?
The Local Authority Waters Progamme has Community Water Officers all around the country who work with local people to build awareness, help build group capacity, support training and citizen science initiatives and strengthen links between public bodies, funders and communities who are looking after their rivers, lakes and other waters.
You can find contact details for your local Community Water Officer on the LA Waters Programme website.
To whom do I report pollution such as: fish kill; forest fire; oil spillage?
Pollution incidents should be reported in the first instance to the local authority in whose area the incident occurred as they can respond rapidly. The Local Authority will contact the Environmental Protection Agency if an EPA licensed activity is concerned.
If you know it is an EPA licensed activity you should contact the EPA directly as well as the Local Authority.
This link has the full details about how to Make an Environmental Complaint
Fish kills: To report fish kills, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 0818 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.
Forest Fire: If you need to report a forest fire please dial 999 and ask for Fire Services. You will be put through to one of the national call centres who will record the necessary details.