Reservoirs full despite dry March

Guernsey Water has confirmed that all 14 of the island’s reservoirs are currently full, following a wetter‑than‑average start to the year. 

Rainfall so far in 2026 has been highly variable. January brought around 170% of average rainfall, February was the wettest month since 1978, while March was the driest since 1990. April rainfall is to date is around half of what would usually be expected. 

During the particularly wet period earlier in the year, reservoirs refilled quickly and surplus water had to be safely discharged to sea. In February alone, around a billion litres – three months of use - could not be stored due to capacity being reached. 

Despite this variability, Guernsey Water says the island’s water storage is in a strong position. 

Guernsey Water Operations Manager Jon Holt said: 
“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. 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. 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 also highlighted the positive response from the community last year, when voluntary reductions in water use helped ease pressure during drier conditions. The utility says that straightforward actions - such as reusing water where possible or installing water butts if affordable - can collectively make a meaningful difference without disruption. 

Businesses are being encouraged to treat water efficiency as part of normal summer planning. Guernsey Water is asking organisations to consider ahead of time what simple, low impact water saving measures might be available if dry conditions were to persist later in the year, and which options might require more preparation. 

This is not a request for reductions in use, but an invitation to be ready. 

Guernsey Water will continue to closely monitor conditions and provide regular updates as the year progresses.