Scientists urge tougher PFAS limits in tap water

Tighter limits are needed on levels of "forever chemicals" in Jersey's drinking water, a report says.

The report by the island's PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel focused on the environmental impact of such pollutants, known as PFAS, on things such as water, food, waste and soil.

It found drinking water levels above four nanograms per litre should be considered too high, resulting in instant and "enforceable action". It said the current UK guidance of 10 nanograms per litre used by Jersey Water was impractical and there should be a specific and local definition.

Jersey Water said local water was "safe to drink", and it welcomed "the clear direction that Jersey needs a framework for managing PFAS".

In high doses, PFAS has been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer and fertility issues.

The report, the fourth and final such publication, said: "In practice, Jersey Water has followed UK Drinking Water Inspectorate guidance, including an aspirational reference level of 10 ng/L for the sum of 48 PFAS, but this does not function as an enforceable Jersey standard and exceedances above 10 ng/L are described as common.

"A separate conclusion was that any drinking-water standard must be set within the realities of analytical quantification and treatment feasibility, while still providing meaningful health protection."

Reacting to the report, Minister for the Environment Senator Mary Le Hegaret described it as "important" and "detailed".

She said work was under way to help inform a considered and evidence-based government response.

"It is right that it is made available to the public at the earliest opportunity," she said.

"Ministers are arranging technical briefings to ensure we fully understand the panel's findings, the work already undertaken and the matters requiring further consideration."

Jersey Water CEO Helier Smith said: "Since the panel began its work, scientific knowledge and international approaches to PFAS and its regulation have continued to develop.

"That underlines the importance of ensuring that any future water quality limits adopted by Jersey are based on the latest evidence, are practical and affordable to deliver, and provide the greatest long-term protection for islanders.

"Since 2019, we have supported the government introducing an evidence-based standard for PFAS in drinking quality to provide certainty and assurance for islanders.

"Delivering the infrastructure and operations required to comply with a specific PFAS limit will require partnership with the government and agreed funding and timescales.

"Overall, the report's findings confirm that the work we already have under way aligns with many of the panel's recommendations in terms of monitoring PFAS extensively, managing our sources effectively and evaluating suitable treatment technologies.

"We will continue our pilot trials over the next 12 months and provide the government with the evidence needed to inform future regulation and investment decisions.

"Current water quality in Jersey remains safe to drink and comfortably meets all applicable EU and UK standards. Protecting the quality and safety of islanders' drinking water remains our priority."

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