Jersey Water has announced that, due to significant rainfall during the past two weeks together with water produced from the Desalination Plant, water levels in the reservoirs have now risen from 35% to 60% full.
Rainfall in December to-date is approaching double the average for the month, which in total is more than had fallen in the October and November combined.
The Desalination Plant commenced production of water on the 2nd November and has to-date produced 200,000 tonnes of fresh water, which equates to 11 days of the present daily demand for water. It is planned to stop production of water from the plant this week.
The Company says that there is still a need for Islanders to be cautious about not wasting water, as rainfall patterns are uncertain and average rainfall for the winter months cannot be relied upon into 2012.
Commenting on the situation, Managing Director Howard Snowden said:
“The significant and heavy rainfall that has occurred in December so far has had a good impact on reservoir water levels. However, it shows how unpredictable rainfall patterns are becoming and, whilst reservoir water levels are now 60% full, they are still below average for the time of year.
“We remain concerned about the rainfall levels in the first quarter of 2012, which will be crucial to ensure the reservoirs are full to take us safely through the summer of 2012. Consequently, whilst the production of water from the Desalination Plant will cease this week, we shall maintain operation of the sea water intake and primary treatment system, in case we need to recommence production in January 2012, if required.”
For further information, please contact:
Howard Snowden
Managing Director
T: 707301