Jersey Water is asking all its customers to use water sensibly and not waste it during the unusually hot and dry period for the time of year.
With Val de la Mare Reservoir out of service at the present time, together with the unusually hot weather for early autumn, Jersey Water is making some early preparations to bring the Desalination Plant into service. Should the dry weather continue through into October and the autumn period remain unusually dry, then the Plant may need to be brought into operation.
The ongoing work to install a membrane on the upstream side of the dam at Val de la Mare Reservoir is progressing well and is due for completion on time. Re-filling the reservoir is due to begin during the second week of October; but it will be some weeks before there are sufficient water stocks to enable it to come back into service.
Given the present circumstances, Jersey Water is asking its customers to assist in conserving water by using it sensibly and avoiding waste.
Managing Director, Howard Snowden said:
“Given the very hot and dry weather we are presently experiencing, coupled with the fact that Val de la Mare Reservoir is out of service, it is prudent to initiate the first steps in preparing the Desalination Plant for operation. As everyone knows, the production of fresh water from sea water is a very expensive process and the decision to operate the Plant will only be taken if absolutely necessary.
“Whilst we are comfortable with the present position of water storage levels, which are 50% full, our concerns are with the possibility of a drier than average autumn and lack of winter rainfall.
“We would ask our customers to use water sensibly and not waste it; which, if done by every household will collectively reduce overall demand and save a substantial amount of water”.
For further information, please contact:
Howard Snowden
Managing Director
T: 707300