Groundwater related aspects of the 2018 drought in Ireland Dr Groundwater related aspects of the 2018 drought in Ireland Dr. Conor Quinlan Monday 8th October 2018

Meteorological context April May June July August (mm) Source: Met Éireann

Hydrological response to the drought September July August

Hydrological response to the drought

Hydrogeological response to the drought Karst – no record low Gravel – no record low yet Fractured – record low Fractured – no record low yet

Hydrogeological response to the drought 39% of groundwater monitoring points assessed so far have recorded record lows in 2018 This figure will rise as many have not reached annual low point yet Groundwater-fed lakes also at record lows and still falling Analysis to be completed on level of impact by aquifer type, borehole depth and location Ongoing work - national programme of river spot flow measurements to assess impact of groundwater abstractions on river low flows during drought periods

Groundwater abstraction in Ireland *Information for public supplies only (Source: Irish Water, public water utility) Total population served by at risk sources (GW & SW) : 1,604,000 Total population served by at risk GW sources: 70,000 Groundwater provides 17% of public water supply springs 105,000 m³/d boreholes 177,000 m³/d (from a public water supply total of 1,624,000 m³/d) Majority of GWS and Private supplies from Groundwater sources

Drought impact on groundwater sources Predominantly surface water sources at risk But groundwater sources more likely to enter emergency state Primarily in the southern half of the country Low water levels main issue Limited anecdotal reports of dug wells and some boreholes running dry Lack of regulation/reporting of private supplies affects ability to see complete picture

Proposed abstraction control regime General binding rules for all abstractions Registration for all abstraction >25m³/d Licencing of all abstractions; >2,000m³/d >250m³/d deemed to be significant pressure through WFD characterisation Assessment to be carried out cumulatively Licence to abstract will not confer permanent legal right to an abstraction Regime driven by WFD characterisation process

Wider impacts of the drought Increased interest in developing private groundwater abstractions – agricultural and industrial sectors Increased interest in providing public supplies from groundwater Increased awareness that groundwater fed lakes and high BFI rivers are more drought resilient In the context of climate change adaptation this has progressed the national debate somewhat So, anticipating increased awareness of and interest in groundwater as a resource in coming years

Thank you