Donegal County Council has revealed the cause of a scum that appeared on the surface of salt water areas around the Donegal coastline this week.
Reports of a brown/yellow dusting on the water surface raised concern among sea swimmers.
Investigations by the council have determined that the material was natural materials rising due to dry weather conditions.
“Donegal County Council’s Environment staff have conducted investigations, including water testing, and have concluded that the material is derived from decaying organic matter, such as seaweed and marine plant debris, which has been dislodged and is accumulating in sheltered areas due to the current dry, calm conditions,” a spokesperson said.
The issues were identified at Malin Head, Ludden & Ned’s Point in Buncrana, Inch Island, Marble Hill and Mountcharles in recent days.
However, it has cleared up in a short space of time at most locations in a matter of one or two days, as verified by follow-up inspections.
“The material has also been identified at these locations in previous years and appears to be a seasonal issue,” the council said.
The official bathing season commences in the first week in June, when the Council’s routine monitoring of designated bathing waters will start.
