Queen’s Valley reservoir has been forced to temporarily close to deal with a rat infestation.
Jersey Water explained that the issue was caused due to members of the public feeding the birds and leaving food out.
In a post on social media, the utility company said: “Despite our repeat requests asking people not to feed the birds at our reservoirs and our signs being stolen, it’s still happening and now we’ve got a real pest problem.
“Day and night rats are damaging our site, gnawing through fences and gates.
“Far worse though, they present a real risk to public health and water quality.”
Jersey Water has temporarily closed the reservoir due to the increased risk to public health as the water quality is compromised.
But the company reassured islanders that the situation has had no effect on local drinking water, and that the closure is precautionary to avoid further escalation of the situation.