Search the EPA Research Database

Project Search Result

Project Code [2012-W-MS-12]

This information is correct as of today and is updated from time to time by the EPA to reflect changes in the management of the project. Please check back regularly for updates.

Project title

The impact of on-site wastewater effluent on rivers and wells

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Laurence Gill

Project Abstract

The domestic wastewater of approximately one third of the population in Ireland, ~500 000 dwellings, is treated by on-site domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTSs). The potential impacts of such on-site effluent are the pollution of either groundwater and / or surface water, in particular in areas of low permeability subosils (for surface water pollution) or Extreme vulnerability (for groundwater pollution). This project will evaluate 2 study catchments in areas of low permeability with high DWWTS density to evaluate upstream and downstream water quality (in particular phosphorus loads). It will also investigate 2 trial catchments in areas of Extreme vulnerability to evaluate microbial pathogen and phosphorus impact on wells (in addition to groundwater baseflow contributions into rivers). Finally, the project will determine a cost effective method of fingerprinting DWWTS loads on both domestic wells and rivers from a synthesis of exisitng team expertise, international literature review and targeted sampling of wells and rivers in the 4 trial catchments. The expected outputs are as follows: - final report and 2-page summary report - advice for appropriate low cost fingerprinting techniques for DWWTS effluent. - at least 6 peer reviewed papers in highly ranked international journals - research capacity buidlign in the field of contaminnant hydrology with 3 PhD students - input into national media fora - data and analysis for policy makers with repst to deicison being made on the pressures n catchments in both surface water and groundwater

Grant Approved

�416,677.15

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Improve our Knowledge on the State of our Water Resources and Pressures

Start Date

01/04/2013

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/04/2016