Jersey will have to decrease the amount of four key PFAS compounds in its mains drinking water to less than a third of the current level in the next five years to bring it into line with tighter standards recommended by a panel of scientists.

The PFAS scientific advisory panel – which has emphasised there is no immediate risk to public health – said the move would help “future-proof” the island’s water supply.

The panel members are due to present their fourth report at a public meeting this evening at St Brelade’s Parish Hall.

The report focused on PFAS contamination in mains water and examined possible treatment options.

It recommended that the island’s water supply be brought in line with a proposed new limit of 4ng/L (nanograms per litre) for four key PFAS compounds within five years.

According to Jersey Water, the amount of those four PFAS compounds in Jersey’s drinking water last year was 13ng/L.

This means Jersey will have to decrease the level of those compounds to less than a third of its current amount – from 13ng/L to 4ng/L – in the next five years to bring it into line with the tighter standards recommended by the panel.

Jersey Water’s head of water quality Jeanette Sheldon told Express that one of these four compounds – known as PFNA – is actually not present at all in Jersey’s water supply.

The other three key PFAS compounds that are present are called PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS.

“Islanders can be confident in the quality of their current drinking water supply”

Ms Sheldon explained: “We anticipated that the Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel would recommend a new, lower regulatory limit for PFAS in mains drinking water, in line with updated international standards, to ensure that the island’s supply remains safe for the future.

“The panel is clear that it is a long-term precautionary measure, and islanders can be confident in the quality of their current drinking water supply. 

“We support the move towards a clear water quality standard for Jersey and the recognition that this will require investment in future-proofed treatment technologies and infrastructure over several years.

“While the Government considers the appropriate regulation for the Island, we will progress the selection and feasibility for both long-term and interim treatment solutions to keep water safe for our customers.”

“It will take time to bring Jersey water supply in line with our recommended new standard”

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a family of thousands of manmade chemicals – some of which are present in higher concentrations in some parts of the island.

The principal source of contamination in Jersey was firefighting foam sprayed at the Airport in the late 1900s and early 2000s.

This entered the water course and permeated down into St Ouen’s Bay and the Pont Marquet valley, which runs from the Airport to St Aubin’s Harbour.

Dr Steve Hajioff, chair of the PFAS scientific advisory panel, said: “PFAS levels in drinking water are already lower in Jersey than in many places around the world, including London and other parts of the UK.

“We have recommended a level of 4ng/L in order to future-proof the Jersey drinking water supply.

“It will take time to bring Jersey water supply in line with our recommended new standard, and there is no cause for concern in the interim.”

The Government of Jersey will now study the panel’s recommendations before responding.

Environment Minister Steve Luce said: “I want to thank the scientific panel for this detailed and helpful report.

“I will consider their findings and recommendations in detail so we can respond appropriately.”

What are the next steps?

Deputy Luce has already committed to introducing new PFAS regulations in Jersey before the end of the year.

The move follows a petition signed by more than 1,000 islanders calling for the Government to adopt international best practice, build a dedicated PFAS treatment plant, and improve healthcare services for those affected

In response to the petition, Deptuy Luce wrote: “Reviewing international regulatory standards and treatment technologies helps inform our approach and ensure it is appropriate for the water management systems operated in Jersey.”

Ministers this week set out long-term plans to invest in PFAS treatment technologies and to expand the island’s water network as part of the Government’s new 25-year capital investment strategy.

The ‘Investing in Jersey’ strategy document confirms that work will take place between 2026 and 2033.

“A safe and reliable water supply is essential,” it said. “Most homes in Jersey are now connected to the mains system, but some still rely on private water sources.

“In addition, long-term water security is being affected by population growth, pollution risks (including PFAS), and changing rainfall patterns.”