Measures to limit the level of "forever chemicals" in Jersey's water could cost more than £200m and take years to implement, Jersey Water says. A final report by the independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel said the company had followed UK standards, but recommended stricter measures.
PFAS, known as "forever chemicals" because they take a long time to break down, have previously been linked to serious health conditions, including kidney and testicular cancer. Jersey Water stressed local water was "safe to drink", but agreed the island needed a framework to manage PFAS. Environment Minister Senator Mary Le Hegarat said ministers were working to "fully understand" the report and its findings.
What limits did the panel recommend?
The panel recommended a limit of PFAS in drinking water to be four nanograms per litre. It said the current UK guidance of 10 nanograms per litre used by Jersey Water was impractical and there should be a specific and local definition.
Le Hegarat said ministers were working to "fully understand the panel's findings, the work already undertaken and the matters requiring further consideration". She said that would inform a "considered and evidence-based government response".
The head of the Environment Scrutiny Panel, Deputy Hilary Jeune, said the government needed to tell the public how it would balance the risk to islanders and the cost of solutions. She thought the water was safe, but that it could be made safer and the minister needed to tell people how that would be done.
Firefighting foam containing PFAS was used at the airport in the 1990s
The early 1990s use of firefighting foam containing PFAS at the airport fire training ground led to contamination in the neighbouring area and private borehole water supplies. Last year, it emerged a larger area was affected by the chemicals than previously thought.
Campaigners such as Water Awareness Jersey wanted to see more action more quickly, and were concerned the cost could fall on taxpayers who were not responsible for the problems. Water Awareness Jersey wants PFAS filters in public buildings such as schools and nurseries.
The report also said free-range egg production should be discouraged in affected areas, and that there should be periodic potato testing in contaminated places too.
How much could the changes cost?
Jersey Water told the BBC it was testing different methods of reducing PFAS, the results of which would come next year. Helier Smith, the utility's chief executive officer, said a new treatment plant - if required - could cost up to £210m.
"That could add 70% to 110% on to customer bills, making water in Jersey the most expensive in the world.
"Nobody wants that, especially Jersey Water.
"We want to find a solution that's proportionate and cost-effective, and keeps bills as low as we can, really."
Ian Cousins, the panel's environmental expert, said in other places measures to tackle PFAS had been implemented within three to five years. He thought the cost quoted by Jersey Water was an "exaggeration" and that the panel's lower-cost calculations were based on retro-fitting existing water treatment plants rather than building a new one.
Ministers are due to respond to the report in more detail later this year.
Key Facts
- Jersey Water says a new treatment plant to reduce PFAS could cost up to £210m.
- The panel recommended a PFAS limit of four nanograms per litre in drinking water.
- The current UK guidance used by Jersey Water is 10 nanograms per litre.
- Helier Smith said bills could rise by 70% to 110% if a new plant is needed.
- Ministers are due to respond to the report in more detail later this year.
