Updated 23.52 | Published 09.16
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A large water leak has affected Örnsköldsvik.
35,000 households are at risk of running out of water – if the leak is not fixed tonight.
The municipality has gone into staff mode.
The large leak was discovered on Monday in Själevad in Örnsköldsvik municipality. It must be a main line that has suffered major damage.
According to Örnsköldsvik’s Allehanda four more leaks have been found since then – as a result of the first one.
The municipality’s crisis management has gone into staff mode and closed several of its operations, including several schools.
On Thursday, all junior and senior high schools in the affected areas will be closed.
Households are also encouraged to conserve water. Tanks of drinking water have been put out in several areas and residents of the affected areas are being asked not to use their washing machines, shower or bathe.
Preparing for the worst
According to municipal director Magnus Haglund, who is part of the crisis preparedness group, they are preparing for the worst scenario.
– We are preparing for Miva not being able to fix the leak during the night or early morning. If it is not done, we have to deal with it and we will do that too, but there will be few strains, he says P4 Västernorrland.
The repair work is made more difficult by the fact that the leak is in very waterlogged terrain. According to the municipal water company, the repairs must be done with great care and it is unclear whether it will be done overnight.
Should the water main not be fixed in time, 35,000 households could have problems with the water supply during Thursday. Drinking water will be available in tanks on display, but toilets and kitchens, for example, may not be available.
According to the municipality, it may be necessary to deploy bajamajor.
On Environment and Water in Örnsköldsvik’s website there is a map of where the drinking water tanks are located.