The Sustainable Water Network
Threats to
Our Waters
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Our Members
Threats to Our Waters
Ireland’s water environment is in crisis. Water quality is declining and water pollution is rising at an unprecedented rate.. Despite the requirement of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) that all our rivers, lakes and coastal waters should be ecologically healthy by 2027, numerous EPA reports have highlighted ongoing declines in water quality.
Presently, more than half of our rivers, lakes and estuaries are in an unhealthy state (47%, 50% and 62% respectively) and river water pollution is on the rise. Furthermore, we’ve lost most of our pristine river stretches, down from over 500 in the late 80s to a mere 20 today. Read More
Our Work
The Issues
There are a diverse range of pressures from human activity on our waters and SWAN works to raise awareness and influence national policy so as to address these and secure maximum protection for Ireland’s aquatic resources. Find out more.
Policy & Advocacy
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) works in a number of policy areas related to the water environment, advocating for maximum protection for Ireland’s aquatic resources. Find out more.
Campaigns
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) works on a number of campaigns to protect and enhance our water environment. Find out more.
Latest News & Events
2020 Education Programme
November 13th
Filium morte multavit si sine metu contineret
November 10th
Certe, inquam, pertinax non intellegamus
October 7th
Latest News & Events
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive- what is it and how did SWAN respond to the 2024 report?
In July, the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage...
Read MoreWater Action Plan a missed opportunity to tackle water pollution
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), a network of 25 environmental...
Read MoreEPA water report shows far stronger measures needed to tackle water pollution.
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) reacted to today’s EPA Water...
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