Calls for more water testing at popular swim spot

Algal bloom has appeared in Lough Ramor. The River Basin Management Service (former LAWPRO) have taken samples to determine the level of toxicity, but warn not to swim in the lake and keep pets away from the water.

Rising water temperatures have promoted a rapid cyanobacterial growth, driven by excess phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural runoff, septic tanks, and wastewater.

When local swimmers noticed green scum on the lake on the weekend of August 8, they informed the authorities. Cavan County Council responded to be cautious and to “avoid contact with algal bloom as they may cause skin irritation or be toxic if ingested”.

Prior to that, the local authority had issued a warning on social media. A spokesperson told the Celt: “Regarding Algal Blooms, Cavan County Council has issued regular advice to the public on this particular issue on social media. Pet owners should also note that dogs are particularly sensitive to these blooms.”

However, a local resident has voiced their disappointment to the Celt at the level of warning to intending lake users.

Signage warning people about the bloom and the risks associated with the water had not been erected at the site at the time of writing. The resident said this was “not good enough”.

In a statement to the Celt, Cavan council say that protecting and improving water quality remains a priority and they undertake a wide range of actvities such as river and lake water quality monitoring.

Asked about the results of the most recent testings, the council referred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “the sampling results data is held by the EPA”.

According to the EPA, “the Lough has been in unsatisfactory ecological health since WFD monitoring began in 2007 and had consistently been ‘Poor’ or ‘Bad’ status until recently.”

In a report last year, the EPA concluded that the Virginia lake was one of seven in Ireland at risk of developing harmful algae bloom.

Recently the Celt caught up with a scientist from Mountnugent who had initiated “Ramor Watch” - a programme aimed at empowering locals to play an active role in monitoring and protecting their local lake. Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens called the lake “immunocompromised”. She warned: “Certain conditions like a hot summer, could tip it.”

It appears as though this is what has happened. While scientists cannot confirm that it is in fact harmful algal bloom until tests are concluded, indications are there that this is a toxic bloom. It can appear bright green, blue, brown, or red. Rainfall can dilute it, but is still in the water.

This is why some swimmers steer away from the lake and travel to Lough Lene in Westmeath, which is tested twice a month. Fearing this will be “the new normal”, swimmers are worried of losing their spot in Cavan altogether.

WARNING

Cyanobacteria can cause severe health issues even before algal blooms show: Humans can experience skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea. Severe illness or death in dogs, livestock, and marine wildlife can occur.

Locals are demanding more regular water quality testing and warnings if and when appropriate.

The algal bloom was discovered just a week after the popular Virginia Triathlon with 150 participants took place. On the other side of the lake, a weeklong swim camp with 150 children and campers was happening.

Officially, Lough Ramor is not a designated bathing area. The council is not obligated to test the water regularly for its bathing qualities. However, it evidently remains a swimming area by popular choice. Just a month ago the local swim group received a grant for changing facilities - with the help of the council.

The swimmers now urge people to submit proposals to Cavan County Council to make Lough Ramor a designated bathing area. The local authority is currently asking the public to identify bathing waters in the county. Submissions are to be sent in to the Water Safety Development Officer wsda@cavancoco.ie

Environmental scientist Caroline meanwhile says this event is a “wake up call”. She believes agricultural run-off, old sceptic tanks and wastewater have all contributed to elevated nutrient levels in Lough Ramor, which is fed by many tributaries.

Unlike rivers, where nutrients, waste, bacteria or other harmful elements are washed away quicker, Lough Ramor in particular struggles: “It’s a small, shallow lake with legacy phosphorus in the sediment.”

For Caroline, the incident has highlighted the importance of the work the citizens science project ‘Ramor Watch’ can deliver. Not by blaming anyone, but by identifying the hotspots and helping to clear them up.

Colder temperatures will calm the growth of bacteria, but it will be at least a couple of weeks until the water has reached a low-hazard quality standard.