Cork's Blackwater among rivers most affected by dry weather

More than 60% of the monthly average river flows across Ireland were below the long-term normal range last month because of the dry weather.

The River Blackwater was among those worst affected, with flows at one monitoring point just 37% of the river’s monthly average.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the exceptionally dry and warm weather in July had a “clear impact on river flows across Ireland”.

“With drought conditions affecting much of the country, average river flows decreased at all monitoring stations assessed, with 60% of monthly average river flows below the long-term normal range,” 

it said.

The EPA monitors 132 river sites across Ireland. Of these, 27 were classified as “particularly low”, 53 as “below normal”, and 50 as “normal”. The ‘particularly low’ rivers were widespread across the country.

The Blackwater, at the Killavullen hydrometric station, was “particularly low”, while at Mallow Railway Bridge it was “below normal”.

The Awbeg, Owennacurra, Bandon, and Ilen rivers were also below normal for July.

Lake and turlough levels also decreased at almost all monitored sites, with the EPA saying that 36% were below the long-term normal range.

Compared with June, average water levels at monitored lake sites decreased by 96% in July. Among the 28 lakes and three turloughs monitored, two were classified as “particularly high”, four as “above normal”, 14 as “normal”, and 11 as “below normal”.

Groundwater levels also decreased at all monitoring locations, with 47% below the long-term normal range.

Of the five spring flows monitored, three were classified as “normal” and two as “particularly low”.

The hosepipe ban remains in place until August 26.