Environment: Tell us if you’ve got a borehole
Thursday 15th January 2009, 2:55PM GMT.
ISLANDERS face the possibility of a fine if they fail to register their use of boreholes, wells or reservoirs.
Under the terms of the new Water Resources (Jersey) Law, which came into force on 1 January, all those using a non-mains source must notify the Environment department by 30 April.
Those with domestic supplies who use less than 15 cubic metres a day – the equivalent of around 75 full baths – must simply register. Those using commercial quantities in excess of 15 cubic metres must apply for a licence.The new requirement has been introduced to build up a database of how much water is being used. That information will assist Environment plan for a drought and help prevent one leading to very serious consequences for the Island.
A dedicated help desk has been created to help Islanders negotiate the registration process. More information and copies of the registration or licence packs are available by phoning Environment on 441622. Forms are also available at www.gov.je and clicking on Environment.
• Picture: Colin Cheney, the States hydrogeologist. Picture by Jon Guegan (00611407)
Read the full story in the Jersey Evening Post. Click here for subscription details. Individual editions are also available online.
2012 CYCLE SLAM
Dallaglio Flintoff 2012 Cycle Slam
Read Graeme Le Saux's daily blogs
Greece-London Marathon on a Bike
The Dallaglio Flintoff 2012 Cycle Slam
Travel
To, from and around the Island
Airport Arrivals/Departures
Harbours Arrivals/Departures
Bus Information/Timetables
This is Jersey
Jersey Evening Post
Useful links
Tell us if you’ve got a borehole?
We have one in the middle of the States Building…..
Report abuse
Just another thing they will find a way to tax us on.
Next it will be the air we breath, the next question will be ‘now tell us how many times do you breath in through your nose or mouth each day.’
Report abuse
yet more taxes and no service
Report abuse
“registering wells and boreholes will enable the Environment Dept to plan for a drought” – this is a poor excuse for enacting this law in the first place. The only reason for this law was because Jersey Water were always peeved that they couldn’t charge water rates to anyone having their own water supply and this is a “back door” to being able to charge these people.
Jersey Water are starting with charging “large landowners” £150 a year but now they have their foot in the door we all know it won’t end there.
Has Jersey Water paid to sink these boreholes or wells, have they maintained these, do they pay to pump the water, do they pay for any water treatment required – the answer to all of these points is no – therefore why does Jersey Water have any right to charge anything – what service are they providing in return?
The “legal” argument used by the proponents of this isidious law was that no-one “owned the water on their property” – if that is the case then how come Jersey Water are now deemed to own it?
This law should never have been passed in the first place.
NB – I am on mains water.
Report abuse
Too right Nellie.
I have a borehole, which costs me to upkeep and service. Why should I have to pay JW to register and then have to pay each year.
In case of drought, they are welcome to come and extract some water. For a fee of course.
Report abuse