HOUSEHOLDS are facing a further financial hit next year when annual water bills will increase by around £30 amid plans to deliver major upgrades to the desalination plant to protect supplies against prolonged spells of dry weather.
Jersey Water Chief executive Helier Smith said that the utility company was “very aware that any increase in household bills comes at a difficult time for many customers”, but highlighted the need to ensure “a resilient and secure water supply for the future”.
The cost-of-living crisis was a major talking point during the summer election period, with thousands of families struggling with spiralling costs.
From January, Jersey Water has confirmed that average households can expect to pay an extra 8p per day. It comes after a 15.5% hike in water bills that took effect at the start of this year, and 5.7%, 10.9% and 6% rises in each of the preceding years respectively.
The 2027 prices rises will add £2.55 per month or £30.60 per year to the average household bill – bringing the average annual bill to £473.77.
The news comes as Jersey Water outlined its priorities for the second year of its 2026 to 2030 strategy, which includes plans to carry out “essential” infrastructure upgrades.
The £26 million desalination plant project will increase the output of the facility, which helps to maintain water supplies during prolonged periods of low rainfall and drought, by up to 50%.
Last year, it produced over 500 million litres – more than twice the capacity of Grands Vaux Reservoir.
The utility company has stated that the plant upgrade forms a “critical part” of its plans to adapt to changing weather patterns, “which are expected to place increasing pressure on water resources and increase the risk of water shortages in the years ahead”.
Jersey experienced its hottest summer on record this year with average temperature across June, July and August hitting 20.5°C. There were also four heatwaves recorded – where temperatures exceed 28°C for three or more consecutive days –
Other priorities Jersey Water have set out include continued preparations for future PFAS requirements with pilot trials and treatment technology evaluations, alongside investments in water infrastructure that “further strengthen operational resilience”.
Mr Smith said that recent summers had shown the pressure that prolonged dry weather can place on the Island’s water resources.
“Climate change means we expect these challenges to become more frequent in the future,” he said.
“We are very aware that any increase in household bills comes at a difficult time for many customers and we remain committed to providing support and assistance to those who need it.
“We have worked hard to keep customers’ bills as low as possible, while balancing the need to make essential investments that will help ensure Jersey has a resilient and secure water supply for the future.”
Mr Smith cited “a responsibility to plan ahead”, describing the upgrade of the desalination plant as “the biggest investment in the Island’s water infrastructure for a generation”.
He added that it would play “a vital role” in helping maintain supplies during drought.
“When we published our 2030 strategy last year, we were clear that increases in water charges would be necessary to support the investment required to secure Jersey’s long-term water supply,” Mr Smith noted.
“The increase will enable us to deliver that investment, strengthening the Island’s resilience and helping to ensure a safe, reliable water supply for generations to come.”
