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:
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