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Jersey Water will speed up its meter replacement programme after admitting an increase in the number of leaks.
The company say leaks are more common at this time of year but they admit certain meter installations are more prone to leakage. These leaks are predominantly under pavements and streets and have no impact on meter readings or water bills.
Jersey Water has promised to replace the faulty meters, starting in St Helier and working around the Island. The company say the new meter system will be an improvement, offering greater longevity and durability.
Helier Smith, Chief Executive of Jersey Water, said: “We have seen an increasing number of leaks arising from certain types of meter installations. This usually occurs in the road or pavement so people may see water running towards a drain in dry weather. Water resources are scarce and need to be protected so in each case we have responded quickly and replaced the meter. Eventually all meters will be replaced but that obviously takes time. I am confident that the programme will be completed promptly and efficiently.
“Jersey Water’s metering programme has been a huge success in terms of the water savings that it has delivered for the Island and the fact that it has put customers in charge of their water bills. Since the metering programme was introduced, the amount of leakage has fallen by 40%.
“This current leakage problem could not have been foreseen, is very unusual and is due to factors outside of Jersey Water’s control. It is nevertheless disappointing and something that we are keen to resolve. We are committed to reducing leakage and protecting the Island’s water resources and that is why we are undertaking this meter replacement programme.”
Jersey Water invests between £3million and £5m annually on the maintenance and improvement of its water treatment processes and supply network. The aim is to ensure reliability and quality of the Island’s 580 kilometres of public water supply.
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