Legal limit for toxic water chemicals proposed

Politicians are due to vote later this year on introducing a legal limit on the level of "forever chemicals" in Jersey's drinking water.

Draft proposals have been lodged by the Environment Minister Steve Luce following recommendations from the independent PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) scientific advisory panel.

The panel, which advises the Government of Jersey, has suggested a limit of 4ng/l for the sum of four PFAS in drinking water should be achieved within five years.

Jersey Water's latest report shows an average of 12ng/l, although the panel has said there is "no cause for concern" and drinking water met UK and EU PFAS regulatory standards.

PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because of the time it takes for them to break down, which the PFAS scientific advisory panel previously found was linked to serious health conditions.

If agreed, the draft regulations would introduce a statutory standard for PFAS in water supplied to the public by Jersey Water as at present there is not one.

In its latest report the water firm said it remained "fully committed to ongoing action" in the area of PFAS.

It said: "While the island's current water supply meets all UK and EU water quality standards for PFAS, and an independent panel of experts commissioned by the Government of Jersey to look at PFAS across the island has confirmed that there is 'no cause for concern' with our drinking water, we are proactively investigating treatment solutions to meet any new regulations."

PFAS have been used in products designed to resist heat, oil, stains and water.

Common applications include clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces and the insulation of electrical wiring.

The earliest date on which the vote could take place in Jersey's States Assembly is 24 March.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.