Jersey Water has welcomed the publication of the Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory’s Panel’s Final Report 4 by the Government of Jersey and the “clear direction“ that Jersey needs a framework for managing PFAS Island-wide.

The Government said the report is being published without delay in the interests of transparency and to allow Islanders and interested parties to consider its findings. The detailed 564 page Final Report 4​ concludes the work of the Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel.

Jersey Water: "costs and funding for PFAS treatment are not yet clear"

In February this year Jersey Water welcomed the clarity of the Government of Jersey’s proposed regulation for a new PFAS standard - but said delivering a permanent treatment solution will be a multi-year process.

In March the water company cautioned that while it supported clear and evidence-based PFAS regulation and remained committed to meeting a new standard, it believed that a proposed future drinking water limit for PFAS of 4 nanograms per litre (ng/l) by 1 January 2031 had been brought forward by Minister of the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce before essential scientific, financial and technical information was known.

According to the utility, meeting a 4ng/l standard will require major new infrastructure that does not currently exist in Jersey. Early estimates suggest investment in the region of £140–£210 million, alongside ongoing annual operating costs of at least £1 million for GAC treatment alone.

“This is why clarity on funding, affordability and delivery timescales is essential before a final regulatory standard is set,” Jersey Water said, warning:

“Jersey Water cannot fund this scale of investment, and it is important that any new standard is aligned with an agreed funding approach by the Government.”

Jersey Water said:

“Since the Panel began its work, scientific knowledge and international approaches to PFAS and its regulation have continued to develop. That underlines the importance of ensuring that any future water quality limits adopted by Jersey are based on the latest evidence, are practical and affordable to deliver, and provide the greatest long-term protection for Islanders.

“Since 2019, we have supported the Government introducing an evidence-based standard for PFAS in drinking quality to provide certainty and assurance for Islanders. Delivering the infrastructure and operations required to comply with a specific PFAS limit will require partnership with the Government and agreed funding and timescales.”

Overall, Jersey Water said the final report’s findings confirm that the work the water company already has underway aligns with many of the Panel’s recommendations in terms of monitoring PFAS extensively, managing sources effectively and evaluating suitable treatment technologies.

Jersey Water will continue its pilot trials over the next 12 months and provide the Government with the evidence needed to inform future regulation and investment decisions.

Ministers and Government officers will now review the report in detail and develop a formal Government response, which will be published later this year.

Click here to download the report in full Fourth Report of the Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel for Jersey – PFAS and the Environment June 2026