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.
The EPA Water Programme works with others to monitor and assess the health of our rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters under the Water Framework Directive.
A collection of frequently asked questions about monitoring and assessment to assist you with your queries.
popular FAQs about freshwater & marine
Can I access the register?
The abstractions register available to the general public can be downloaded here. Please note that the Register is being redeveloped to reflect the requirements of the Act and this will supersede this current version when published.
The EPA does not publish personal information or other information that could jeopardise the security of water supplies. This is in accordance with the protection of critical national infrastructure direction included under the EU Directive 2016/1148.
The EPA can share information on the water abstraction register with public bodies involved in water management. Information can be requested by contacting the EPA at edenabstractionsupport@epa.ie.
When should I update my registration?
You must notify the Agency at edenabstractionsupport@epa.ie of any material changes to the entry on the Register. These changes include but are not limited to the following: a change in the daily rate of abstraction, transfer of ownership of the abstraction, and cessation of the abstraction.
What if I have more than one abstraction point?
If you are abstracting water from two or more abstraction points in the same waterbody which join to form one abstraction, register all points under the same registration. For example, a factory is abstracting from several wells to supply their process water.
In the situation where there are two or more abstractions that are not connected, then these abstractions should be registered separately. For example, if there were abstractions at two different farms that are several kilometres apart, the abstraction at each farm would be registered separately.
What abstraction information do I need to provide?
How do I register?
Registration is free and can only be done online. Register your abstraction by following these steps:
