Massive pollution of our rivers.

The three rivers project.

The recent survey of the river Boyne, Liffey and the Suir is a serious cause of concern of our waste management system in our country. The survey shows that of the three rivers surveyed only 43% of the water is unpolluted.

The river Suir has 32% of its water contaminated.

We should remember that Lakes and Rivers are the sources of our drinking water.

• 41% of household effluent is discharged untreated.
• Water quality has dramatically worsened.
• State bodies local industries, farmers and householders are blamed for phosphorous pollutants being discharged into our water sources preventing oxygen needed for fish to breath.
• Over 50% of Water Waste in the Suir valley is discharged untreated.
• Monitoring is not satisfactory.
• Discharges from licensed industries ---- little information available.
• Septic tanks, washing powder with phosphorus and agricultural waste are choking our rivers.

The Boyne, Liffey and the Suir are the dumping grounds of their respective regions. Water is contaminated.

• E-Coli Contamination occurs in rural water schemes.
• Some public water schemes contain CANCER causing substances called THMS deadly nitrates and other contaminants which cause algal blooms on rivers and lakes.(green  substance on surface of water).

• Many local Authorities still discharge untreated sewage into rivers, lakes and sea .
• From these 3 rivers 206 million cubic meters of drinking water is taken.
• E-Coli is a major health risk and may cause Salmonella.

Pollution on the riverbank

Like other parts of the Environment the riverbank suffers its share of pollution. To the forefront in the battle against pollution, is a tree. Trees and other  plants make their own food from Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere, water, sunlight and a small amount of soil. Air pollutants injure trees by damaging their foliage and impairing the process of food making. They also weaken trees.

How can we manage waste?

We can manage waste by recycling our waste. Old jars, plastic bags, paper bags and cardboard boxes can all be recycled. Old medicine bottles can sometimes be brought back to pharmacy's.
Instead of dumping waste in to our rivers and lakes we can use the refuse collection.

All polluters should remember that Rivers and Lakes are the sources of our Drinking Water.

by  Laura  Pheasey   for SIP 19
May 2000