Water bills to rise again in 2027 as desalination upgrade gets under way

Monday, 28 September 2026 at 09:00

Water bills will be going up again next year, with average households set to pay around £30 more as Jersey Water continues its investment in securing the Island's water supply. The utility provider has confirmed its water charges for 2027, alongside its priorities for the second year of its strategy to 2030.

From 1 January 2027, average households can expect to pay an extra 8p per day for their water – equivalent to £2.55 more per month, or £30.60 per year.

The rise comes on top of last year's increase of around £59 per household, when Jersey Water warned that further above-average increases were expected from 2027.

The company says that the money will fund essential investment in the Island's water infrastructure, as it prepares for the hotter, drier conditions expected in the years ahead. It points to this summer as a reminder of how important resilient water supplies are, both in Jersey and across Europe.

A key priority for 2027 is the start of a £26 million upgrade to the Island's desalination plant, which will increase its output by up to 50%. Jersey Water describes it as the biggest investment in the Island's water resources since Queen's Valley Reservoir was commissioned more than 35 years ago, and says it will help maintain supplies during long periods of low rainfall and drought.

The company will also continue preparing for future PFAS requirements, with pilot trials and evaluations of treatment technology, alongside further work to strengthen the resilience of its network.

Helier Smith, Jersey Water's Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged that any rise in household bills comes at a difficult time for many customers, and said that the company had worked hard to keep charges as low as possible while making the investment needed to secure the Island's supply.

He added: "We have a responsibility to plan ahead."

Mr Smith said that the company had been clear when it published its 2030 strategy last year that increases in charges would be needed to fund this work, and that the desalination upgrade would play a vital role in maintaining supplies during drought.

Islanders who are worried about paying their water bill are encouraged to contact Jersey Water, which offers support for customers who need help.

Full details of the 2027 charges, the support available and Jersey Water's business plan for 2026–27 can be found on Jersey Water's website.

 

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