Absolute drought ‘of no direct concern’
DESPITE the declaration of ‘absolute drought’ across the Channel Islands, Guernsey Water has confirmed its water reserves are currently at a healthy level.
It stated that the island’s water reserves are monitored on a weekly basis, with current capacity at 92.7% full, in line with the 10-year average for the period despite lower rainfall.
Guernsey Water’s capital delivery manager Mark Walker said: ‘As part of our recently released Water Resources & Drought Management Plan, we monitor water resources closely.
‘This allows us to act appropriately in line with our reserves, carrying out internal changes to reduce impact on customers and providing us with a guide to when any wider measures may be required.’
Guernsey Water advised that an absolute drought, defined as 15 consecutive days of no rainfall and which was reached on Wednesday, is not of direct concern despite the fact that much of the water it relies on comes from surface water sources such as streams. Drought measures at Guernsey Water are instead dictated by the island’s water resource stocks.
A significant proportion of water not provided by Guernsey Water comes from private wells and boreholes, however, Guernsey Water has advised owners that boreholes can have a tendency to dry up during drought conditions. The yield from ground water sources such as boreholes is comparatively low to the yield drawn from surface water sources, such as streams, and why Guernsey Water uses surface water in the main.
Mr Walker said: ‘Although we are not overly concerned at this time, we do remind islanders to always use water wisely, particularly through the summer period when it can be tempting to water lawns.’
. Water saving tips can be found on Guernsey Water’s website www.water.gg and on its social media channels. Paper copies are also available by calling 239500.
