With States Members due to vote latter this month on proposed new regulatory limits for PFAS levels in drinking water, we want to make sure that Islanders have access to information about this important step change for Jersey.
Brought by the Minister of the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, Proposition P.26/2026 proposes a future drinking water limit for PFAS of 4 nanograms per litre (ng/l) by 1 January 2031.
While we absolutely support clear and evidence-based PFAS regulation and remain committed to meeting a new standard, we believe this proposition has been brought forward before essential scientific, financial and technical information is known. This creates risks for the Government, Jersey Water and for you, our customers.
Today’s water supply is safe
Jersey’s drinking water is safe and continues to comfortably meet current UK and EU standards. The Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel has confirmed that PFAS levels in the Island’s mains drinking water present no cause for concern, and Islanders’ overall PFAS intake from food and water remains below European Food Safety Authority guidance levels.
The proposed new water quality limit is therefore about future‑proofing drinking water for the years ahead.
All scientific evidence needs to be considered before law adopted
We are working closely with the Government and independent experts to ensure the Island delivers the right PFAS treatment solution, in the right way. This includes completing scientific studies, pilot trials and technical assessments that will determine the most effective treatment approach, its cost and how it fits with Jersey’s wider water needs.
The proposition has been lodged before the Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel has completed its work, before we have concluded our own research into treatment options, and before wider proposals are considered to address PFAS pollution in the round.
Without this information, any costs and practicalities are assumptions rather than firm evidence, so it is challenging to assess the affordability and value for money of the proposition.
Costs and funding for PFAS treatment are not yet clear
Meeting a 4ng/l standard will require major new infrastructure that does not currently exist in Jersey. Early estimates suggest investment in the region of £140–£210 million, alongside ongoing annual operating costs of at least £1 million for GAC treatment alone.
This is why clarity on funding, affordability and delivery timescales is essential before a final regulatory standard is set.
Jersey Water cannot fund this scale of investment, and it is important that any new standard is aligned with an agreed funding approach by the Government.
Water bills could rise significantly
We are mindful of the potential impact of this proposition on customer bills. Based on early estimates, costs of this scale could significantly increase water bills by 70-110% over the next five years.
This level of increase would be unprecedented for Jersey and could place considerable financial pressure on households and businesses. Any solution for addressing the trace levels of PFAS in drinking water needs to be affordable for customers.
Delivery timeline needs to reflect the work required
Allowing sufficient time to complete pilot trials, secure funding, obtain planning permission and construct new PFAS treatment facilities will help reduce risk, control costs and deliver the best long‑term outcome for the Island.
Delivering a large-scale infrastructure project of this nature in less than five years is highly ambitious. We consider a minimum of seven years to be a more realistic timeframe.
A joined-up approach is needed for all water investment challenges
PFAS treatment is only one part of Jersey’s long-term water management challenge The Island is already facing significant pressures on water resources due to climate change, population growth and limited storage capacity. These pressures continue to grow and will require substantial ongoing investment.
A joined‑up approach will help ensure investment decisions strengthen, rather than constrain, the Island’s long‑term water resilience.
We remain committed to working constructively with the Government of Jersey and the States Assembly throughout this process.
It is essential that decisions that affect Jersey’s future are based on complete evidence and clear funding arrangements, so that we deliver a solution that is right for customers and right for Jersey, both now and for generations to come.
Read our full submission to the Scrutiny Panel:
Letter-to-Scrutiny-Panel-re-Proposition-P26-March-2026.pdf
