Swimmers were advised not to use one of Donegal’s best-known beaches after high levels of e-coli was found in the water.
The blue flag beach at Narin is one of the most beautiful in the country.
But on Wednesday last, bathers were advised to stay out of the water after water samples showed ‘elevated levels of e.coli.’
However, samples taken the following day showed the levels were back down to lower levels and bathers were allowed to return.
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council told Donegal Daily that the incident was temporary after samples were taken and the waters off Narin are otherwise “pristine”.
The spokesman explained “Due to heavy rainfall, there was elevated levels of e.coli on the 17/08/2016 at Narin beach however, the beach was resampled on the 18/07/2016 and levels were back down to lower levels.
“As a precaution, bathers were advised of a temporary elevation in e.coli which can occur following heavy rains. This occasionally happens due to increased run off from the surrounding farmlands but the levels quickly return to normal. Narin Blue Flag beach otherwise enjoys pristine bathing waters.”
The spokesperson added that there can be a smell on Narin beach following a build up of sea weed, washed ashore.
“This can follow a storm and Spring Tides and depends on the prevailing wind direction. This is a natural phenomenon,” the spokesperson explained.
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