06 February 2026
Statement from the Minister for the Environment, Deputy
Steve Luce:
"Yesterday I lodged the Draft Water Law (Jersey) Amendment
Regulations 202-.
"These Regulations, States Assembly | P.26/2026, mark an important step forward in the
management of Jersey’s drinking water, as they introduce
statutory standards for PFAS in the water supplied to the
public.
"Under the Water (Jersey) Law 1972, water quality is assessed
against a series of chemical parameters to determine whether
it is considered wholesome. The proposed Regulations would
add PFAS to this list for the first time.
"This development follows detailed work by the Independent
PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel. The Panel has recommended
the introduction of a new limit of 4 nanograms per litre for the
combined concentration of four PFAS substances in our public
water supply. They have also advised that this standard should
be achieved over a five-year period.
"To reflect that recommendation, the Draft Regulations include
a commencement date that provides Jersey Water with the full
five years to meet this new requirement, which we will continue
to work with them towards.
"The panel was clear that it has recommended this lower limit in
order to 'future-proof' the Jersey drinking water supply, and
that there is no cause for concern over current PFAS levels in
the mains water. The public water supply meets current EU and
UK standards for PFAS levels in drinking water.
"At present, there are no statutory PFAS standards within
Jersey’s water legislation. These Regulations would therefore
establish the first legally binding limit on PFAS levels in the
Island’s drinking water."
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