Design and execution of research and development

Tender description

The challenge is to develop a method of collating and communicating the quality of bathing water using all sources of information for the use of all stakeholders, namely bathers, local authority staff, the EPA and Irish Water. Bathers should be encouraged to report on their swimming experience at particular locations, with emphasis on reporting on perceived water quality. An improved method of communicating known bathing water quality risks to bathers is required, with information being provided to bathers on water quality testing results from a variety of sources and other information relating to activities and incidents that may affect bathing water quality. The challenge being posed is to build on this concept and expand the availability of information through the development of more efficient communication systems. Bathers can find out which swimming locations are safest before leaving home. The challenge is to develop a method of collating and communicating the quality of bathing water using all sources of information for the use of all stakeholders, namely bathers, local authority staff, the EPA and Irish Water. One of the most important sources of information is from bathers themselves. Bathers should be encouraged to report on their swimming experience at particular locations, with emphasis on reporting on perceived water quality. In turn, an improved method of communicating known bathing water quality risks to bathers is required, with information being provided to bathers on water quality testing results from a variety of sources and other information relating to activities and incidents that may affect bathing water quality. For example, data feeds could be provided from the Irish Water telemetry system where spills have been recorded from the wastewater network close to bathing waters. A limited number of more efficient solutions have been developed. As an example, information from the West Pier overflow in Dún Laoghaire immediately triggers a warning light for bathers at Seapoint Beach, and Local Authority staff receive automated text messages when this overflow triggers The challenge being posed is to build on this concept and expand the availability of information through the development of more efficient communication systems. Bathers can find out which swimming locations are safest before leaving home.