A hosepipe ban reduced demand by 25%

The Jersey Waterworks Company said despite some rain this autumn, reservoirs are only half full and the island's de-salination plant may be switched on in the next couple of weeks.

It was just over a month ago that water restrictions imposed in July were lifted.

Prolonged dry weather forced the waterworks company to impose the ban on using water for non-essential purposes.

Low rainfall

During the ban, water consumption was reduced by 25%, saving some 80m gallons, and the desalination was in operation for 12 weeks.

Although the ban has not been imposed again, waterworks managing director Howard Snowdon said low rainfall means reservoirs are only half full.

At this time of year, the company would normally expect supplies to be brought up to full strength as reservoirs would be filled with stream water.

But Mr Snowden says that is not happening and is concerned forecasters are predicting an unusually dry winter.