Notices prohibiting swimming have been placed at three of Co Clare's most popular beaches at Lahinch, Kilkee and Spanish Point because of pollution fears.
Clare County Council said this afternoon that routine tests on the water at the beaches have shown up traces of E coli and they had issued the notices as a precaution.
The council said water runoff from the excessive and sustained rainfall over the past two months is having a negative impact on the quality of the water.
It added that while the three bathing areas are currently within the mandatory limits set out under bathing water regulations, it has taken the decision to advise the public not to swim there after consulting with the HSE.
Further tests were carried out today and the results will be known on Sunday, when the council will issue a further update.
Both Lahinch and Kilkee beaches have lost their Blue Flags temporarily until the water quality is back to a safe level.
