Islanders Praised for Cutting Water Use During Record-Breaking Heatwave

Temperatures reached record highs for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, with Jersey recording 34.2C and Guernsey reaching 31.5C - the hottest May temperatures ever seen in the islands.

Despite increased demand over the bank holiday weekend, both islands’ water providers said consumption remained lower than the peaks experienced during last year’s hot weather.

Guernsey Water reported supplying 15.2 million litres of water on Monday, marking the first time daily demand had exceeded 15 million litres since July 2025. However, the figure remained below last year’s high of 15.4 million litres.

Across the three-day weekend, water use was around three million litres above the seasonal average, which Guernsey Water described as “a modest increase considering the exceptional temperatures”.

Operations manager Jon Holt said residents’ efforts to reduce unnecessary usage were having a noticeable impact.

“It’s clear islanders are thinking more carefully about how they use water,” he said. “Simple steps taken by lots of people can collectively make a significant difference.”

He added that every effort counted as warm weather was expected to continue.

In Jersey, reservoir levels are currently at 96% capacity, with Jersey Water saying supplies remain in a “healthy position” and there are no immediate concerns over shortages.

The company said islanders used approximately 21 million litres of water per day over the weekend — about three million litres more than the average May demand. Usage is expected to rise further during the summer, potentially exceeding 23 million litres daily.

Jersey Water urged households and businesses to remain cautious with water consumption to help avoid future restrictions such as hosepipe bans.

The utility encouraged practical measures including shorter showers and turning taps off while brushing teeth.

A spokesperson said: “Small changes in daily habits can play an important role in protecting the island’s water resources during the warmer months ahead.”