Sea Water - Blue Flag
The Blue Flag
The blue flag campaign started in France in 1985 and is run by the non-governmental , non- profit organisation "Foundation for Environmental Education" (FEE). It was set up to "promote sustainable development in the coastal areas through high water quality standards, safety standards, environmental management standards and environmental education.
Ireland has at present 81 beaches and 3 marinas that have received the coveted blue flag. For more information about the blue flag campaign and about what it means to be awarded the blue flag visit http://www.blueflag.org/
Bathing Water Quality
The microbiological quality of the bathing water forms a substantial part of the blue flag campaign. Information about the bathing water quality must be displayed on a notice board on the beach area. This information must be updated regularly and be presented in a format that is understandable.
European beaches must follow the current EU legislation for the quatlity of bathing waters outlined in the EU Bathing water Directive (76/160/EEC). This directive is currently under revision to take into account recent scientific and technological developments and is expected to take effect in 2015. Until a new directive is decided upon the FEE has decided to follow the EU directives.
City Analysts are an independent laboratory that are nationally accredited by INAB to carry out the sampling and analysis of water to European Standards.
City Analysts "Blue Flag" Service
| Total Coliforms |
| Faecal Coliforms |
| Faecal Enterococci |
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pH |
| Oils |
| Floatables inc tarry residues, wood, plasitcs |
| Transparency/ Turbidity |
| Colour |
| Surface Active Substances |
| Phenols |
