By using less bottled water, Islanders can help to cut carbon emissions associated with its production, storage, transportation and disposal.
Jersey's water supply
The majority of households and businesses in Jersey get their water from treated mains supply although some people have private supplies from boreholes, wells or rainwater storage tanks.
Most mains water comes from the collection and storage of surface water from streams. This water is delivered to your taps as safe drinking water through an extensive network of reservoirs, pumping stations, treatment works and pipe work.
The quality of mains water is regulated by the Department of the Environment. In 2009, all water leaving the treatment works was 100% compliant with all quality parameters.
If you use a borehole or well for your drinking water, it is recommended that your water is tested regularly by a reputable water treatment company or by the States Official Analyst. Advice on treatment of your private water supply can also be obtained from the Public Health Department.
Using bottled water
There are 3 types of bottled water:
- natural mineral water which is filtered underground and untreated
- spring water which can undergo some treatment to remove unwanted substances
- bottled drinking water which can come from a variety of sources, including mains supplies
Delivering water to consumers would be impossible without bottling. Most single-use plastic water bottles are made out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It's estimated that 17 million barrels of oil are used globally in the production of PET water bottles each year. Because water is heavy — weighing one ton per cubic meter — energy taken to transport bottled water can be significant. Plastic water bottle waste is also all around us visually and is a frequent litter culprit.
What are the differences in cost?
Mains tap water in Jersey costs 0.24 pence per litre (including GST). How does this compare with the bottled water you buy? In some cases bottled water costs 500 times more than tap water, the equivalent of paying £1,500 for a pint of beer or glass of wine.
Waste and recycling
Plastic bottle recycling began in Jersey in August 2007. Since then, 109 tonnes of plastic bottles have been exported for recycling, that’s approximately 2,180,000 plastic bottles.
It’s easy to recycle plastic bottles. There is at least one collection point in every parish and some parishes provide a household recycling collection. All plastic bottles collected for recycling are shipped to a recycling plant in England where they are melted down to create recycled plastic.
Parish household recycling facilities
Advice on changing your habits
In a ‘Which?’ survey, half of a UK panel testing water said they didn’t think there was any difference between bottled water and tap water in terms of quality and taste.
If your tap water contains substances which affect its taste and appearance, a jug water filter is a simple yet effective way to reduce these at home.
Water is good for you, so keep drinking it. But think about how often you use water bottles, and see if you can make a change to tap. Get into the habit of taking a sports bottle with you to top up throughout the day.
Research commissioned by international charity, Water Aid (March 2009), revealed that tap water is the preferred choice for almost two thirds (63%) of all people who dine out.
Don't be embarrassed to ask for tap water when you eat out. You will save money and help save the planet.
Offering tap water to customers is one way that Jersey’s restaurant trade can offer excellent value, while minimising environmental impact.
Businesses in Jersey also cater for thousands of client meetings each year. Why not switch to mains filtered water in meeting rooms? The stylish and sustainable carafes produced through the London on Tap Campaign can be branded with any organisations' logo and ordered from the London on Tap website.
The London on Tap website
Download the Eco-Active time for tap leaflet (size 2.04MB)