Guernsey's reservoirs remain full despite huge variations in rainfall patterns
- All 14 of Guernsey's reservoirs are currently at full capacity despite variable 2026 rainfall patterns
- January saw 170% of average rainfall and February was the wettest since 1978, while March was the driest since 1990
- One billion litres of surplus water had to be discharged to sea in February alone due to capacity limits
- Guernsey Water says no changes to current water usage are required and the system is performing as designed
- Businesses are being encouraged to plan ahead for potential water efficiency measures as part of summer planning
All 14 of Guernsey's reservoirs are currently at full capacity despite highly variable rainfall patterns throughout 2026, Guernsey Water has confirmed.
The island's water storage remains in a strong position following a wetter-than-average start to the year, even after March recorded its driest conditions since 1990.
Rainfall data for 2026 shows dramatic month-to-month variations. January brought approximately 170% of average rainfall, while February was the wettest month recorded since 1978. However, March proved exceptionally dry, with conditions not seen since 1990, and April rainfall to date sits at around half of typical expectations.
During the particularly wet period earlier in the year, reservoirs filled rapidly and surplus water had to be safely discharged to sea. In February alone, around one billion litres of water – equivalent to three months of island usage – could not be stored due to capacity limits being reached.
Jon Holt, Guernsey Water's Operations Manager, said the current situation demonstrates the reservoir system is functioning as designed.
"Right now, all 14 of our reservoirs are full and performing exactly as they're designed to, which puts us in a very strong position," Holt said. "Rainfall patterns this year have been mixed - very wet early on, followed by a much drier spell - and that kind of unpredictability is something we plan for as part of normal operations rather than react to."
Holt emphasised that no changes to water usage are currently required from residents. "We're not asking people to change how they use water, and we're nowhere near that point. However, we also know from experience that sensible, everyday habits make a real difference over time. This is about being prepared, not alarmed, and continuing to manage the island's water responsibly as we move through the year."
Guernsey Water has highlighted the positive community response during last year's drier conditions, when voluntary water use reductions helped ease pressure on supplies. The utility suggests that straightforward actions, such as reusing water where possible or installing water butts for those who can afford them, can collectively make a meaningful difference without causing disruption.
Businesses are being encouraged to incorporate water efficiency measures into their normal summer planning processes. Guernsey Water is asking organisations to consider in advance what simple, low-impact water saving measures might be available should dry conditions persist later in the year, and which options might require additional preparation time.
The utility stressed this represents an invitation to be prepared rather than a request for immediate reductions in water use.
Guernsey Water will continue monitoring conditions closely and providing regular updates as the year progresses. The company serves over 25,000 homes and businesses across the island, overseeing the collection, storage, treatment and distribution of potable water, as well as the collection and safe disposal of all wastewater.
Q&A
Q: Are all of Guernsey's reservoirs currently full?
A: Yes, all 14 of Guernsey's reservoirs are currently at full capacity, according to Guernsey Water.
Q: How much surplus water was discharged in February?
A: Around one billion litres of surplus water had to be safely discharged to sea in February alone, equivalent to three months of island usage.
Q: Are there any current restrictions on water usage?
A: No, Guernsey Water is not asking people to change how they use water and states they are 'nowhere near that point' of requiring restrictions.
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