Lakes

There are over 12,000 lakes in Ireland, some very small and some quite extensive. Together they cover over 1,200 square kilometers. Most are located on the western seaboard and in the midlands and are relatively shallow.  

Generally water stays longer in a lake than in a given stretch of river and so lakes are prone to over-enrichment if the nutrient load is high. This can lead to the excessive growth of algae and slimes that can damage fisheries and limit the use of the lake for amenity purposes.

Lake Classification

Eutrophication

This type of algae bloom destroys entire ecosytems by depriving the other plant and animal life of oxygen and changes the colour of the water it invades.

© Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Eutrophication
© Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Eutrophication

This type of algae bloom destroys entire ecosytems by depriving the other plant and animal life of oxygen and changes the colour of the water it invades.

© Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Enlarge image

The level of nutrients in a lake determines its trophic status and, using that measure, lakes are classified as follows;

• Oligotrophic – poorly nourished, poor plant growth.
• Mesotrophic – small amount of nutrients, little plant growth.
• Eutrophic – considerable amount of nutrients, excessive plant growth.
• Hypertrophic – very high levels of nutrients with corresponding high levels of plant growth.

Lake Quality

Overall, just under half of Irish lakes are in good condition. Irish lakes predominantly support salmon and trout fish, both of which are very sensitive to pollution. The most recent survey by the EPA placed 113 lakes  (50.5%) in high or good ecological status and 111 lakes (49.5%) are in moderate, poor or bad ecological status. 42 lakes improved in ecological status, 30 declined and 150 remained unchanged. This represents a net improvement in the ecological status of 12 lakes since 2010- 2015. 

Using the EPA's interactive mapping tool and selecting 'Water > Water Quality > Lake Water Quality' it is possible to see the current status of Ireland's monitored lakes.