Islanders advised not to swim in St Aubin's Bay

The government has advised people not to swim in the bay due to potential sewage contamination

Islanders are advised not to swim in St Aubin's Bay "as a precaution", the Government of Jersey has said.

The Infrastructure and Environment Department said technical issues had meant "discharge from the Sewage Treatment Works (STW) might temporarily not be at its usual standard".

It is awaiting test results which will provide further information.

Organisers of the Jersey Triathlon due to take place on Sunday said the discharge may affect the event.

The triathlon attracts hundreds of competitors who are due to swim across the bay.

A spokesperson for Jersey Triathlon said in a statement on Facebook: "We are in contact with officers from Government, who are monitoring this situation very closely and we are awaiting further updates as to whether this will affect the Accuro Jersey Triathlon swim discipline this Sunday.

"As soon as we receive further information, we will update on any change of plans for this weekend's event."

The Assistant Minister with responsibility for Sport Deputy Lucy Stephenson said it had "been in touch with the organisers".

"We'll be keeping in regular contact with them as we get more test results through and learn more about the situation," she said.

Organisers of the Jersey Triathlon due to take place on Sunday said the discharge may affect the event

Infrastructure and Environment Chief Officer Andy Scate said a number of "biological factors" could have contributed to the discharge not being "its usual standard".

He said: "We believe it's a series of factors, all happening at the same time, that have contributed to the discharge not being at the standard we'd like.

"Higher-than-normal ammonia levels are entering the Sewage Treatment Works, and there are low flows through the facility because of reduced surface water."

Signs to advise against islanders swimming in the bay have been put up.

The Minister for Environment Deputy Jonathan Renouf said routine checks had picked up the bacteria, but it was not clear if they had affected the sea water.

He said islanders should be aware of the symptoms that could come with contamination.

He said: "I wouldn't be too alarmed, the sort of thing you would expect given its potentially bacterial contamination is gastro trouble, so diarrhoea or vomiting.

"In general, fit and healthy people won't have a problem with it... you should monitor your health for the next few days and just make sure that you don't experience those kind of symptoms."

Test results are expected on Thursday.

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