Petition Clean Jersey’s water, build a treatment plant & improve PFAS related healthcare

Ministers responded

This response was given on 24 February 2025

We support the outcomes the petition calls for, and as Ministers, we are committed to ensuring that any actions are grounded in research and backed by scientific evidence.

Response from the Minister for the Environment

Thank you for your petition regarding the quality of Jersey's water, particularly PFAS (particularly PFOS and PFHxS) and nitrates, and the associated health risks. I appreciate your concern and the urgency of addressing this critical issue. I support the outcomes the petition calls for, and as a Minister, I am committed to ensuring that any actions are grounded in research and backed by scientific evidence.

I am acutely aware of the challenges posed by PFAS contamination and the potential health risks it presents. Our government is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our water supply and protecting public health.

Current Measures and Compliance

Our regulatory framework under the Water (Jersey) Law 1972 ensures that water quality is monitored. Jersey Water's 2024 report has demonstrated 100% compliance with current UK and EU regulatory standards for PFAS, and we are working towards introducing a specific regulatory requirement for Jersey to meet even stricter standards.

Water Quality and Safety Programme

The Water Quality and Safety (WQS) Programme is a comprehensive initiative to address public concerns about PFAS in the environment and their impact on our water. This programme consolidates various linked projects under a single governance structure, providing a coordinated and prioritised response to WQS, including the critical PFAS workstreams. In addition, the programme will review and monitor PFAS in the broader environment and food. The programme’s formation signifies a serious ministerial commitment to delivering significant progress on these matters during the current government term.

Investment in Treatment and Regulation

I recognise the need for advanced treatment solutions to address PFAS contamination. This includes exploring treatment technologies and regulatory standards to reduce PFAS levels in our water supply. The Independent Scientific Advisory Panel commissioned by the Government are undertaking Report 4 - PFAS in the Environment in 2025. It will review global standards to allow me to recommend a regulatory standard for Jersey. I plan to introduce this standard in this government term with a phased implementation period.

Reviewing international regulatory standards and treatment technologies helps inform our approach and ensure it is appropriate for the water management systems operated in Jersey. The example of Australia's $30M treatment plant in Katherine is a valuable model, and we are considering similar solutions to mitigate contamination effectively. I meet regularly with Jersey Water, who are committed to implementing treatment technology to reduce PFAS and nitrates in our water supply. Jersey Water has undertaken significant work reviewing the options. I am confident that when I bring forward a Jersey Regulatory standard for PFAS later this year, Jersey Water will be in an advanced position to implement treatment in their two water plants.

Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency

To ensure transparency and public awareness, we maintain open communication with stakeholders, including residents, Jersey Water, and the media. The independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel provides evidence-based advice for our public health policy and environmental management. The Panel's work is conducted in public, and it seeks input from ‘experts by experience’ and ‘subject matter experts’ to ensure Jersey has access to world-leading research and scientific learnings that are developing at a rapid pace. As Minister, I am committed to letting science lead actions and investments to ensure we can maximise every opportunity to remove PFAS from the environment.

Future Actions

Moving forward, I will continue to prioritise the implementation of a robust regulatory standard for PFAS in Jersey and investments in treatment technology to allow these regulations to be met. I am committed to bringing this standard before the Assembly within this government term. Additionally, we will deliver Report Four by the independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel and advance our research and monitoring efforts to allow us to understand better the specific environmental impacts we face in Jersey.

My Natural Environment team will shortly publish an Independent Hydrogeological Survey Report to enhance our understanding of the impact of the historic use of PFAS-containing Fire-Fighting Foam at the airport. The study has widened previous monitoring areas and will give my officers vital information to help improve our understanding of the impact of PFAS on the environment around the airport. It will also help us develop interventions and treatments.

The Water Quality and Safety programme will also widen its focus to understand PFAS in food, infrastructure and waste and will focus on PFAS levels and impacts Island-wide.

Your petition highlights the importance of safeguarding public health, the food chain, and the environment. Rest assured, we are dedicated to addressing these concerns through coordinated efforts and international best practices.

Thank you for your engagement and advocacy on this critical issue.

Statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services

Public Health commissioned the independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel in 2023, which has produced two of three planned reports on the impacts of PFAS on health. I am committed to delivering the report's recommendations and report three, which focuses on interventions to lower PFAS levels, blood testing, and re-testing.

As the Minister for Health and Social Services, I want to assure you that we are taking significant steps to address the health impacts of PFAS contamination for all Islanders, especially in the island’s hotspot around the airport. We are establishing clinical review service for islanders impacted by historic contamination from the Airport. These reviews will provide comprehensive health assessments and potential interventions for those affected. In 2025, training will also be provided for healthcare workers about PFAS.

Furthermore, the Scientific Advisory Panel's third report will make further recommendations for health interventions to lower PFAS levels in the blood. This will guide our healthcare strategies and ensure we provide our affected community with the best care and support. This report is expected in Spring 2025.