Island residents are being advised to use water judiciously following a significant increase in demand during a recent heatwave, which saw usage levels not seen since the drought in 2022. Jersey Water reported that approximately 159 million liters of water, nearly 5% of the stored supply, were consumed last week as temperatures peaked at 39.2 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit) on June 25.
Despite current reservoir levels at Queen's Valley and Val de la Mare being at a healthy 89% capacity, the water company cautioned that these levels could decline rapidly if another heatwave occurs. A spokesperson emphasized that water supplies are finite, with current storage typically lasting 120 days when full, underscoring the importance of conserving every drop.
Jersey Water is urging customers to adopt water-saving practices, stating that small changes made collectively can have a significant impact. Simple measures such as using water from rinsing fruits and vegetables to water garden plants and turning off the tap while brushing teeth were highlighted as effective ways to reduce consumption.
The company has confirmed its desalination plant at La Rosière, Corbiere, is operational and ready to supplement supplies if necessary. However, they stressed that immediate conservation efforts by islanders would be the most effective way to prevent potential water restrictions later in the summer or autumn.
