Stockholm is facing an urgent water shortage due to unusually warm water in Lake Mälaren, affecting drinking water production. Residents in Stockholm and surrounding municipalities are urged to conserve water as the situation is strained, especially with many returning from vacation.
Urgent Water Shortage in Stockholm: Residents Urged to Conserve
Urgent Water Shortage in Stockholm: Residents Urged to Conserve
Shower quickly and avoid unnecessary washing. There is a water shortage in Stockholm. "Every drop counts now," writes Stockholm Water and Waste.
The water in Lake Mälaren is currently unusually warm, affecting the amount of drinking water that can be produced. The situation is "strained," according to Stockholm Water and Waste.
This is particularly concerning as many Stockholm residents are returning from vacation and resuming school and work.
"We know from previous years that extra water is used during these weeks. There is therefore a risk that the situation could worsen," says Johanna Ansker, Area Manager for Water Production at Stockholm Water and Waste, in a press release.
Affects Multiple Municipalities
To prevent the water from running out, all residents in the municipalities of Stockholm, Huddinge, Strängnäs, Nynäshamn, Lidingö, Nacka, Tyresö, Haninge, Botkyrka, Salem, Värmdö, and Ekerö, who receive their tap water from Stockholm Water and Waste, are urged to reduce their water usage.
"Every drop counts now. Avoid wasting water. Turn off the tap," the water company writes on its website.
The situation is unusual, according to Stockholm Water and Waste.
"We had a strained situation in the summer of 2018 when it was very hot, but we have not experienced a situation like this before," says Alexandra Fleetwood, Press Officer at the water company.
The appeal is in effect now and for the coming weeks.