We endorse the amendment brought by the Minister for Treasury to introduce an interim PFAS limit of 10 nanograms per litre (ng/l) for the sum of four compounds by 31 October 2027, as a practical step for working towards a stricter 4 ng/l standard within seven years.
If adopted, this will deliver lower PFAS limits sooner, while still maintaining a clear commitment to achieving the 4ng/l standard by 1 April 2033. It will allow the necessary time to complete the full scientific, technical and cost analysis to determine how best to achieve the interim and longer-term limit, and how this work will be funded. Both will need to be implemented in ways that are evidence-led, affordable and deliverable for the Island.
While our drinking water is currently safe and well within UK and EU standards, meeting both the interim and longer-term limit represent a major step‑change in water treatment. There remain logistical, technical and funding challenges to achieve compliance with both limits, but the amendment allows a more pragmatic approach.
Alongside treatment and remediation, tackling pollution at source is essential. Although water companies did not create this pollution, we have a responsibility to be part of the solution, working with manufacturers, consumers and policymakers to reduce or eliminate non‑essential uses of these substances. Making the right long‑term decisions now will help protect water quality while ensuring solutions are delivered efficiently and affordably for customers.
We will continue to do everything we can, as soon as we practicably can, to meet these limits and keep protecting the quality of the Island’s drinking water today and for the future.
