Evidence of nutrient enrichment of the Dromore River, which flows into White Lough a short distance away. (Photo above taken in July 2018 at Balladian Bridge).
Nutrition In Water
"Make sure you have a healthy Nutritious Meal" is a saying we've all heard throughout our lives, especially when we were growing. So, we all knew that the Riboflavin in our cereal was a good thing. BUT, do we want nutrients in our water? A Resounding NO is the answer! Nutritants in the water make "Things" grow in the water. NOBODY wants that!
FACT: The Catchment Area for Stranooden Group Water Scheme is over 120km2
It is worth noting that all harmful activities involving nutrients within our lakes catchment can have a negative effect on the lake.
Given the size of the White Lough catchment the potential for harmful activities is increased.
In Ireland, the principle causes of water quality deterioration are associated with nutrient inputs from agriculture, domestic and urban wastewater discharges, urban waste water misconnections and forestry. A large number of these pressures are thought to exist within the White Lough catchment.
Currently, White Lough is classified as being of ‘Poor’ water quality status due to nutrient enrichment. Consequently, White Lough is seen as a challenging catchment due to its size and water quality issues and therefore suited in its selection as a pilot site
IMPACT ON DRINKING WATER QUALITY
The treatment plant used by Stranooden GWS is a Dissolved Air Filtration (DAF) plant. Unfortunately, this type of treatment system is not suitable for removing MCPA from the raw water entering the facility.
"Therefore, if MCPA is in the drinking water source, it may end up in the scheme’s drinking water, even after treatment."
While, exceedances of the E.U Drinking Water Regulations for MCPA have been detected by both Monaghan Co. Co. and Stranooden GWS, it is worth noting that no exceedances in the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline value for MCPA has been detected and as such it is not envisaged that the levels currently found in our water present a health risk. However, caution should be exercised as the exceedances in the E.U Drinking Water Regulations found, signifies that certain practices in the catchment are leading to contamination.