Jersey Water’s CEO has pushed back against a former Chief Minister’s proposal to fast-track new limits on cancer-linked chemicals in drinking water while introducing in-home treatment systems.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used widely in industrial processes and consumer products. They are detectable at trace levels in water.
Next week, States Members will debate a proposition from the Environment Minister to introduce a statutory limit of four nanograms per litre of PFAS chemicals – one third of its current level – in drinking water by 1 January 2031.
Jersey Water has warned that this will require major new infrastructure, and that a new treatment plant could cost up to £210m if politicians press ahead – something they argue could push up Islanders’ water bills significantly.
Ahead of next week’s States Assembly debate, Deputy Kristina Moore has proposed that the deadline for stricter rules should be brought forward to January 2030, and that the Island could meet a strict new limit of four nanograms per litre within five years without building a £200m-plus treatment plant, by instead installing ‘reverse osmosis’ systems in homes and businesses.
She says this scheme would cost around £40m.
But, responding to the latest move in a letter to Scrutiny politicians, Jersey Water chief executive Helier Smith said: “It is noted that a recent amendment to the proposition includes reference to the installation of in-home water treatment alongside an acceleration of the compliance timeline to 1 January 2030.
“[Previously], we indicated that the proposed timeline of four years and nine months was not achievable. As such, a timeline of one year less is unrealistic given the requirements of the regulation which remain unchanged.”
Mr Smith also said the concept of household treatment systems had not been endorsed by experts.
“Whilst the concept of in-home treatment discussed in the report to the amendment has its strengths and weaknesses, it has not been recommended by the [independent PFAS advisory panel],” he stated.
“Also, the proposed legislation wording does not include any specific provision for such treatment and leaves the regulatory requirement for mains water compliance unchanged.”
“Water in Jersey could become amongst the costliest in the world, challenging affordability and acceptability for islanders and businesses,” the company warned.
That could mean increases of 15% to 25% every year for the next five years, the company said, at a time when households and businesses are already facing cost-of-living pressures.
Jersey Water has also questioned whether any of the proposed timelines are achievable, having previously stated that delivering the required infrastructure would probably take at least seven years.
Environment Minister Steve Luce said that his plan to change the limits within five years was in line with scientific advice, while Treasury Minister Elaine Millar – as representative of the public as shareholder of Jersey water – has lodged an amendment to delay the stricter standard until 2033, citing cost and deliverability concerns.