About Water Pollution Control

European and National legislation is implemented to ensure the protection of such waters. In carrying out our functions, we coordinate and liaise with our counterparts in neighbouring Local Authorities.

The Section's functions include, but are not limited to the following;

• River and stream cleaning of obstructions that may give rise to flooding or significant impediment of the rivers flow. River racks and weirs are also cleared as debris may impede flow.
• Licensing of discharges to waters or surface water sewer under Section 4 and Section 16 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977, as amended in 1990.
• Domestic and Commercial misconnection inspections.
• Surface water monitoring.
• Bathing water monitoring and reporting.
• Water Pollution incident response.
• Implementation of measures under Water Framework Directive - we work closely with the Water Framework Directive Office to develop and implement programmes of measures with the objective of achieving or maintaining good status in all of Dublin City Council's water bodies.
• Development of Coastal Oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Contingency Plan and prevention.

The Royal and Grand Canals including the Grand Canal Basin, are the responsibility of Waterways Ireland.

Pressures on our waters

There are various pressures threatening the quality of our waters including;

• Urban Runoff
• Inappropriate discharges to road gullies (e.g. disposal of waste engine oil, washing paint brushes and other DIY equipment into the road gulley, etc.)
• Foul Network Drainage (e.g. discharges from combined sewer overflows)
• Misconnections (where appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, baths, showers and toilets, are plumbed to the rainwater drains).
• Construction Activities
• Illegal Dumping

These pressures can directly affect the health, amenity and biodiversity of a surface water if not managed correctly. Read more on pressures and what you can do to help here.