Water bills in Jersey are going up by an average of £26 next year.

Jersey Water is increasing its prices in line with current inflation, which was 5.7% in March.

The utility company says these higher charges reflect the challenge of bigger operating costs and the investment it is making on meeting future supply needs.

Chief Executive Helier Smith says the firm is committed to keeping increases to a minimum:

"Acting in the best interests of our customers is our number one priority. We do this by balancing the need to keep bills fair and affordable with investing in critical upgrades to our infrastructure, so that we can continue to provide a high quality, sustainable water supply for customers today and in the future.

Next year, we are still anticipating a 3. 9% increase in our operating costs, on top of rises in contractor costs for our capital investment programme and an overall decrease in customer demand for water.

While proportionate, 2025’s tariff will also help alleviate these costs pressures and support our capital investment programme, so we continue to maintain the highest levels of service.”

Jersey Water says the increase, which will take effect on 1 January, will be the only one in 2025.

Anyone struggling to pay their bills should tell the company, and information about reducing water consumption is available on the Jersey Water website.