There has been a drop in standards in estuaries and coastal waters due to agriculture
The standard of bathing water in the midlands is "Excellent" according a new Environmental Protection Agency report.
Bathing areas in Lough Lene, Lough Owell, and Lough Ennell were all given the highest possible rating by the EPA.
There has been a drop in water quality is in estuaries and coastal waters along the southeast and southern coasts.
The report shows about half of Ireland's open water bodies are in a 'satisfactory' condition.
The Agency says the main reason for poor standards is due to agriculture.
EPA Programme Manager, Mary Gurrie describes what's causing problems in the worst affected region:
Minimising fertiliser-use near water sources has a 'win-win' effect for everyone.
That's the EPA's message to farmers following the publication of the new report.
It found that, overall, Ireland's water quality has declined over the last five years, with agriculture the main source of pollution.
Senior Scientific Officer at the EPA, Shane O'Boyle is reminding farmers of the environmental and financial loss suffered when fertiliser runs into water:
Enterprise Department Confirms Over 80 Westmeath Jobs At Risk
Offaly Teacher Pays Tribute To Colleagues After Winning STEM Award
Asthma Society of Ireland Hold Workshop In Laois This Weekend
Laois TD Calls For Shorter Ambulance Deployment Distance
Uisce Eireann Publish Shannon Pipeline Consultation Submissions Report
70% Of Farming Families Lack Succession Plan
Mental Health Charity Triple Counselling Sessions After Citywest Protests
Westmeath Library To Close For Three Months From Today
Drug Usage On The Rise In The Midlands
Shannon Callows Farmers Demand Inclusion In Flood Management Group
Offaly Teachers Win National STEM Award
Appeal Lodged Against 600 Acre Laois Solar Farm Project
Government Funding To Benefit Midlands Historical Structures
Former GAA Referee Pleads Guilty To Indecent Assault
Laois TD Warns EU Plans Threaten Irish Neutrality
Almost One Million Cigarettes Seized In Offaly
Management Can Easily End Industrial Action - SIPTU
Westmeath Credit Union Manager Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Midlands Readers Encouraged To Take Part in MS Readathon