A regional examination of episodic acidification response to reduced acidic deposition and the influence of plantation forests in Irish headwater streams

► We re-examined the status of episodic acidity in headwater streams in Ireland after 20 years. ► We examined the drivers of episodic acidification across different geologies and forest cover. ► Provided a unique opportunity to examine acidification drivers in a region with low atmospheric deposition ► Results indicated increasing organic acidity and reductions in anthropogenic pollutants. ► Forest cover found to be exacerbating the contribution of organic acidity to storm-water