Desalination plant started up after record-breaking summer

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 12:39

Jersey Water has fired up the desalination plant to boost water supplies after what’s on track to be Jersey’s hottest summer on record.

Reservoirs have fallen to 64%, compared to the ten-year average of 75%.

Jersey Water says this is considerably low for the time of year and, although there remains enough water to meet current demand, the island will need significant rainfall this autumn and winter to replenish stocks and avoid a more challenging summer in 2027.

Read: One in eight Jersey heatwaves has happened this year

The plant will contribute an extra 5.5 million litres of water a day into Val de la Mare reservoir, equivalent to around a quarter of the island’s average daily supply.

For now, and until further notice, the facility will run at half capacity, unless conditions in the coming weeks and months require additional water production.

While there are currently no restrictions on water use, Jersey Water continues to urge customers to save water where they can, to help ease pressure on the island’s limited supplies and reduce reliance on the plant.

The desalination plant will continue to be used until the company is confident that the reservoir levels have returned to a healthy level.

Mark Manton, Chief Water Operations Officer said:

“The recent fire near the desalination plant served as a good reminder of just how important this facility is for Jersey's water resilience.

"The plant is a safety net during prolonged dry periods and drought like we’ve experienced this summer, but we can’t only rely on it for our water supply. That’s why it’s really important that Islanders reduce how they use water and consciously make water-saving part of their everyday lives."