Water Pollution

Water can become polluted in many different ways. Sources of water pollution can be divided into two categories:

Natural Pollution

As rain falls it absorbs dirt, dust and grease from the air.

As it flows over the ground the water collects mud, clay and decayed plant matter and also bacteria derived from soil and vegetation.

In the ground, water dissolves soluble salts from the rocks whilst water containing carbon dioxide can dissolve carbonate rocks to form bicarbonates.

In the absence of adequate controls many human activities have the potential to cause
pollution of water.

Untreated sewage introduces putrefying organic matter and, in particular, bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms.
Farming often causes soil manure and organic debris to be washes into streams, rivers and lakes.
Mining may contribute harmful contamination and fine suspended matter to water courses.
Chemical manufacture may produce effluents containing toxic substances which, if unregulated, can cause taste and odour and kill off the natural life in the rivers.

If you want to report Water Pollution you should contact the Environment Section at environment@galwaycity.ie or 091 536595

Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway.
Open: 9am - 4pm. Phone +353 91 536400 Fax: +353 91 567493 Email: customerservice@galwaycity.ie