Cancer-causing chemicals found in majority of private water supplies in Jersey

People in Jersey who get their water from boreholes may be drinking supplies that contain potentially cancer-causing chemicals.

A major study of private supplies, and the surrounding water course, has found evidence of the chemicals PFOS and PFOA in the majority of supplies, half contained nitrates over recommended EU safe levels, and some contained pesticides and a cocktail of other substances.

A total of 126 sources were tested.

The government say there is no immediate cause for concern, but their study acknowledges there is no agreement internationally over the health risks of some of the chemicals.

PFOS is a type of firefighting foam and PFOA is used as a non-stick agent in a range of products including ready meal trays, furniture and even shampoo.

Testing began after a resident raised concerns about the presence of PFOS in their private supply. Today, the results have confirmed that suspicion.Separate testing on potatoes and dairy products have confirmed no trace of PFOS or PFOA.

The report states PFOS has been linked to liver, thyroid and mammary gland tumours in rats in a Canadian study, and that an American study found a “probable” link between high levels of PFOA and high blood cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.

The recommendations include putting an end to private water supplies by ensuring all homes are connected to the main network operated by Jersey Water, though concluded the health risk was “extremely small”.

All Jersey Water supplies met or exceeded legal standards.

A public briefing will be held at St Peter’s Parish Hall on Monday 15 July at 7pm. The briefing will be filmed by the government and published online for anybody who is unable to get there.