New Desalination Plant Set to Launch Amid Water Shortage Concerns

Jersey’s Desalination Plant Prepares to Support Water Supply After Record-Breaking Heat

Jersey's desalination plant is being readied for operation to help bolster the island's water supply following the warmest June on record.

Jersey Water has begun preparations to activate the facility, which transforms seawater into fresh drinking water, as current conditions point to the likely need for this emergency measure.

June was not only unusually warm but also part of a stretch that included the third driest spring on record. As a result, water stocks are now significantly below the 10-year average — a level typically used as a benchmark for this time of year.

Reservoir levels are currently lower than they were in 2022, when the desalination plant was last used and a hosepipe ban was introduced later that summer.

At present, the island has around 2,163 million litres of water in storage — an estimated 80 to 90 days of supply. However, demand is expected to rise as temperatures increase.

Officials say the weather outlook remains dry, and if restrictions are needed, they would likely be introduced in August. While no official bans are currently in place, Jersey Water is actively encouraging residents to reduce water usage and is sharing conservation tips on social media.

Suggested actions include limiting water use for non-essential tasks such as filling pools, watering gardens, or washing vehicles. Residents are being advised to adopt simple daily habits to conserve water wherever possible.