Connecting All Homes to Mains Water Could Cost £40m

Extending Mains Water to All Jersey Homes Could Cost £40m

Connecting every home in Jersey to mains water could cost more than £36 million, according to Jersey Water (JW).

Treasury Minister Deputy Elaine Millar, speaking in response to a question from Deputy Steve Ahier, said around 2,800 homes—about 5% of domestic properties—are currently without a mains connection. Connecting them would require laying 90km of new piping.

The estimate comes after government warnings in April about synthetic chemical contamination in private borehole water supplies.

Millar explained that homeowners would also face additional connection charges and potential internal plumbing costs. Completion would depend on available funding and operational priorities.

Since 2020, JW has extended the mains network to 105 properties at a cost of £777,000. The company prioritises expansions based on cost, water quality, and demand, and said a detailed extension plan is ready to roll out when funds allow.

JW is also juggling other priorities, including leakage reduction, chemical treatment installation, and long-term water supply planning.