High Bacteria Levels Found in Jersey Seawater After Heavy Rainfall

Unacceptable Bacteria Levels Detected at Jersey Beaches

Weekly testing to assess the quality of Jersey's seawater has revealed "unacceptable levels of bacteria in seawater" at several locations.

The Infrastructure and Environment department reported that routine bacteriological seawater samples taken on 18 and 19 May at Plemont, Grouville, Harve des Pas, and Victoria Pool showed elevated pollutant levels.

Staff attributed the poor water quality results to significant rainfall on 17 and 18 May, which likely caused runoff from land into the sea. They indicated that the beaches would be re-sampled on the following Tuesday and Wednesday.

"General public health advice was to avoid entering the sea for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall events."

The Government of Jersey stated that weekly monitoring will continue until 21 September across 16 bays. The results will be updated automatically on an interactive map for public access.

For further updates, follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Story ideas can be sent to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.