- Reservoir taken out of service after algal bloom developed in the water supply
- See videos of Queen’s Valley below
- Did you march to attempt to stop the flooding of Queen’s Valley? See if you can spot yourself in our archive photo
QUEEN’S Valley Reservoir has been taken out of service after an algal bloom developed in the water supply.
The bloom, which developed due to the recent hot weather, gives off a substance known as geosmin – an organic compound with a distinct earthy flavour and aroma.
Today Jersey Water sought to assure Islanders that geosmin is harmless but added that it had taken Queen’s Valley Reservoir out of service after receiving calls from Islanders.
However, people may continue to experience a soil-like taste or smell in their water over the next couple days while the affected water works its way through the system.
Helier Smith, chief operating officer for Jersey Water, said: ‘The hot weather has caused an algal bloom which gives off geosmin at Queen’s Valley Reservoir.
‘This happens every year – it’s quite normal.
‘Geosmin is harmless and most of it is taken out in the treatment process.
‘There is no cause for concern. There are no health effects whatsoever.
‘However, the human body can detect small concentrations.
‘It can affect the smell and potentially the taste for some people.
‘That’s why we’ve taken Queen’s Valley Reservoir out of service.’
No other reservoirs are thought to be affected by the bloom.
IN October last year the JEP revealed that the police were investigating the slaughter of geese at Queen’s Valley Reservoir.
At the time, Police confirmed that three geese had been killed at Queen’s Valley reservoir and seven more were missing after the
attack. It was believed they were shot.
The geese had been especially popular with young children who fed them.
Jersey Water later said they were ‘shocked and saddened’ at the news and that the deaths were not part of a culling.
The carcasses of three birds were found, but there were fears more may have been killed, as witnesses to the aftermath said only three of the 20-strong flock were left.
At the time, witnesses said that some of the birds were shot in the wing, leaving them to bleed to death or drown in the reservoir.
This picture shows one of the many ‘Save our Valley’ protests and marches which took place in defense of Queen’s Valley prior to its flooding.
Some 2,000 people joined this particular protest, on 23 May 1976.
