PFAS (PFOS & PFOA)
PFAS are man-made chemicals not naturally found in the environment. PFAS (poly and perfluoroalkyl substances, which include PFOS and PFOA) are a group of more than 5,000 different chemicals that are found everywhere in our homes and everyday products.
In manufacturing, PFAS are favoured for their durability and useful properties such as resistant to moisture, heat, and stains such as carpet and clothing treatments and firefighting foams. Some of the most commonly used PFAS chemicals, like PFOS and PFOA, have become known as “the forever chemical” because of their persistence in the environment.
Drinking water supplied by Jersey Water has been sampled and tested for PFAS since 1989. To manage the current water quality risk, we monitor the level of PFAS at the treatment works and in the affected water sources through an extensive sampling and analysis programme throughout the year.
We are collaborating with the Government of Jersey Technical Officer Group investigating the issue of PFAS pollution in the vicinity of the airport within the St. Ouen’s Bay aquifer and Pont Marquet catchment – two important water sources for Jersey.
Their pollution with PFAS presents a significant raw water quality challenge which means these sources have not been in use for sometime. A holistic solution must be found for this pollution issue so that the island may address the current and future water quality risks presented by PFAS.
To find a potential solution to the PFAS problem, our Production and Technical teams continue to work with a leading remediation specialist to carry out pilot plant studies and understand treatment options. These studies have assessed the effectiveness of an up and coming treatment technology known as SAFF (Surface Active Foam Fractionation). In 2022, our teams undertook treatment trials using a benchtop pilot plant to quantify the percentage removal of PFAS substances from the raw water sources.
The results of our testing provide assurance that the drinking water supply in Jersey remains fully compliant with water quality limits for PFAS set by the EU Drinking Water Directive, UK Regulations
and Guidance. Results from our drinking water testing are available in our Water Quality annual report:
Islanders who wish to have their private water supplies tested for PFAS can contact
Jersey Water as we are able to offer a chargeable service.
Book a water quality test
In addition to our current investigations, in February 2021, Jersey Water completed a project to extend the drinking water network to the area in St Peter, north of the airport. In 2018 PFAS was identified in boreholes supplying private water supplies in this area.
The scheme was fully funded by Jersey Water, and a total of 1442 meters of new main was laid, enabling 45 properties previously on borehole water to access safe high quality mains drinking water.
More details on our project to extend the drinking water network.
