The highest level of nitrates recorded in the main supply this year was 36 mg per litre – 12 mg below the maximum amount. It follows recent collaboration between Jersey Water, the environment department and farmers following recent criticism that nitrate levels were the highest in Europe.

Earlier this year they committed to a five year plan to reduce fertiliser and pesticide use by working together under the umbrella of the ‘Action for Cleaner Water Group.’

Through this plan, the group have also detected a drop in the level of nitrate in streams and other water sources by approximately one milligram a year, from the peak of an average of 68 mg in 1994 to around 43 mg per litre this year.   

 

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The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said, “These figures show we’re on the right track and directly reflect the willingness of farmers to treat the issue of water quality in Jersey with the seriousness it deserves. I’m grateful to them and hope this partnership will continue.”

“I expect this positive trend to continue as the Water Management Plan, the Rural Economy linked LEAF marque scheme and further measures agreed to reduce fertiliser use this season, all take effect.”

Deputy Luce said that farmers are reducing and better targeting pesticide and fertiliser use on the fields including the two main Jersey Royal Potato companies, who will use precision application machinery to plant a large part of their land this season. 

Other changes include:-
  • The recommended amount of nitrogen fertiliser used for Jersey Royal potatoes will be reduced following an agreement with Jersey farmers.  
  • Some pesticide products have also been banned in the most important ‘red’ water catchment areas of Queen’s Valley, Val de la Mare reservoir, and Handois. 
  • New tighter regulations recommended under the Water Management Plan for Jersey 2017 – 2021 are being drafted, and new water quality objectives for chemicals are due next year following consultation. 
  • The Environment Minister is also looking at how fertilisers are stored applied and managed to try to improve Jersey’s water quality. 
Deputy Luce commented, “…there’ s no room for complacency. We’re still dealing with the consequences of poor practice in relation to pesticide use from many years ago so there’s still a way to go and I will continue to push for results on this issue.”