Rainfall for the months of June, July and August to-date have been significantly below average, this, together with the relatively high temperatures experienced have resulted in water resources (stream flows) becoming depleted. The total rainfall recorded for the year to the end of July is 20% below average.
The rainfall for August to-date has only been 0.6 mm and weather forecasters are not predicting any substantial rainfall for the remainder of this month.
Managing Director of Jersey Water Howard Snowden said :“Overall our reservoir water levels are 67% full and although this is below average for the time of year it would not normally be of concern. However, given the persistent dry conditions together with the possibility of a dry Autumn, we are taking the precaution of preparing the Desalination Plant for operation next week. At the present time we have no plans to introduce any formal restrictions on the use of water, but we are asking our customers to help by reducing their use of water for non-essential purposes during this dry period. Non essential uses of water include garden watering, washing cars and similar activities. We estimate that on some days up to 30% of our total demand for water, that is 6 Million litres (1½ million gallons) is due to garden watering”.
Notes to Editors :
-
The Desalination Plant at La Rosiere is the only such plant in the British Isles.
-
The plant can produce 6 ML (1.3 Million gallons) of fresh water per day.
-
Rainfall recorded for August (as of the 9th August) is 0.6mm and the long-term average for the month is 58mm.
For further information contact
Mr Howard Snowden, Managing Director & Engineer – Jersey Water Tel 70730