Extensive water leak in Malmö and Svedala - up to 400,000 could be affected

At half past four on Wednesday morning it started. An extensive water leak in a pipeline east of Malmö was discovered.

- It's a major breakdown, one of our main lines has sprung a leak, says Stefan Johnsson, safety and quality manager at Sydvatten.

Affects the drinking water supply

According to VA syd, the leak means that there is a shortage of drinking water in the systems. The worst affected are the city of Malmö and the municipality of Svedala.

- There can be very low pressure in the tap and the water can be discolored, says Liselotte Stålhandske, head of distribution at VA South.

However, the water should not be dangerous to drink even if it looks discolored.

The appeal to several municipalities

Although it will mainly be felt in Malmö, Svedala and parts of Burlöv municipality, VA Syd appeals to several surrounding municipalities to also be very frugal.

Up to 400,000 people may be affected.

- Do not shower, do not use the dishwasher and washing machine and absolutely do not bathe, says Liselotte Stålhandske.

VA syd appeals that households should be "very frugal" with water until the system is restored.

During Wednesday morning, the leak was located and water is now being added to the system. But the call to be sparing with water applies around the clock.

- We are currently filling up water in our system, there is a lot of water in our system. It will take at least a day to fix.

Main line damaged

The pipe where the damage is now completely disconnected and water is instead redirected through alternative pipes. Repairing the line will take several days, but it will not affect the capacity of the drinking water system in the meantime.

- We do not know exactly why it has happened, but we have no indications that there would be any sabotage behind it, says Stefan Johnsson at Sydvatten.