Adding chlorine to streams flowing onto a local bathing area is pollution.

So says a spokesperson for environmental group, Coastwatch, who have lodged a report with the EPA about this activity at Councillors Strand in Dunmore East.

Speaking on Déise Today, Karen Dubosky from the group said it's affecting stream life.

"Chlorine in this case is a pollutant because there is a lot of stream life above the drip where the County Council puts in the chlorine and there is no stream life below the drip. The chlorine acts as a pollutant, which kills stream life."

Waterford County Council is responsible for chlorinating the water, which they say is being done legally. It's used to kill faecal microbes.

Director of Services, Fergus Galvin, says it's serving a very important purpose.

"The only reason we have it is to protect public health. That stream does come out onto the beach there, kids play in the stream. If we didn't chlorinate it, there would be a serious risk of gastrointestinal illnesses for kids who may splash water or those who ingest the water. The risk of that would be very very high."

Both sides of the discussion gave their opinion on the matter to Damien Tiernan on Deise Today this morning.

You can hear the debate by clicking on the play button on the photo above.