Reductions in PFAS levels and polluter pays policy
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WQ.44/2026
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY D.J. WARR OF ST. HELIER SOUTH
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2026 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2026
Question
"Given the anticipated costs that will be incurred by Jersey Water to reduce PFAS levels in Jersey's drinking water, will the Minister advise whether consideration has been given to a "polluter pays" policy, and if this has not been considered, explain why not?"
Answer
The "polluter pays" principle is well established in environmental law and specifically included as an objective of the Water Pollution (Jersey) Law 2000.
In the case of PFAS in Jersey's water environment, the position is not straightforward. The independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel has been clear that PFAS contamination is a global and historically widespread issue, arising from multiple uses over many decades. A multitude of sources of PFAS compounds are present and it is ubiquitous in the environment.
Whilst specific point sources have been identified and isolated from supply by Jersey Water, the ubiquitous levels that exist across the island would still require treatment to reach the proposed PFAS drinking water limits. The mechanisms to enforce the Polluter Pays principle are therefore problematic when there is wider diffuse pattern of pollution.