Concerns over low level of water at Lough Owel

Lough Owel, the lake just 4kms north of Mullingar, is 1011 hectares in size (about 2,500 acres) and it is probably the finest source of drinking water in the midlands, providing a large part of Westmeath’s water supply, including the capital town.

The lake is supplied mainly by springs, although the  Brosna which rises at Bunbrosna does flow through the lake, emerges at the Ramparts, Levington, and after flowing through Mull­ingar, it also flows through Lough Ennell and continues on to the Shannon.