Desalination Plant Enhances Water Supply

Desalination Plant Activated as Jersey Faces Lower Water Reserves

Jersey Water has turned to its desalination plant to help stabilise the island’s water supply after reservoir levels dipped significantly below the seasonal average.

The utility company confirmed that current reserves are down by approximately 140 million litres — equivalent to a week's worth of water for the entire island. In response, the desalination facility, located on Jersey’s southwest coast, has already processed around 30 million litres of seawater over the past week.

Mark Bowden, Jersey Water’s head of water resilience and emergency planning, said while no formal restrictions were in place, future water bans could not be ruled out.

“The recent rainfall has certainly helped, but we’re still being cautious,” Mr Bowden said. “Activating the desalination plant was a calculated decision to protect our water supply. It’s a safety net — not a long-term fix. If dry conditions persist into the autumn and winter, we’ll need the cooperation of the whole island to conserve water.”

The company estimates that without further rainfall, Jersey’s current water supply could last approximately 93 days.

As pressure on resources continues, residents are being urged to take simple steps to reduce daily water use. Suggestions include shortening showers from seven to four minutes, opting for watering cans over hosepipes in gardens, and holding off on car washing.

Running the desalination plant is not without cost — it requires over £5,000 a day to operate. Jersey Water is asking islanders to be mindful of their consumption to help delay or avoid the need for broader restrictions.

Meanwhile, in England, millions are already facing temporary hosepipe bans amid the country’s driest start to the year since 1976.