Wexford Water Improvements Highlighted as EPA Warns Overall Quality Remains Unsatisfactory

Wexford has been highlighted as showing signs of progress in Ireland’s latest water quality report — despite a warning that water quality nationally remains unsatisfactory and urgent action is needed to tackle pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Quality in 2025 – An Indicators Report found that overall water quality across Ireland showed no improvement last year, with excess nutrients from agriculture and wastewater continuing to place pressure on rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters.

The report examined monitoring data collected during 2025 and found that while some areas recorded improvements, these were offset by declines elsewhere. The EPA says protecting water quality will require faster implementation of targeted actions across affected catchments.

Among the positive findings was progress in Wexford, where the Ballyteigue-Bannow catchment recorded improvements in biological quality in six of the sixteen rivers surveyed during the year. Further analysis will now take place to understand what factors contributed to the improvements and whether lessons can be applied elsewhere.

EPA Director of Evidence and Assessment, Roni Hawe, said the findings should concern everyone and warned that the continued decline in Ireland’s highest-quality waters is a serious issue. Clean water, she said, is essential for healthy ecosystems, safe drinking water, recreation and local economies.

The report identified nutrient pollution — particularly nitrogen and phosphorus linked to agriculture, wastewater discharges and land run-off — as the greatest challenge facing water quality. Excess nutrients can lead to algae growth, reduced oxygen levels and damage to habitats for wildlife.

The EPA says local improvements demonstrate progress is possible, but sustained action will be needed if Ireland is to reverse current trends and restore water quality in the years ahead.