Every year, the discolored tap water is a sure sign of spring in Kiruna.
The tap water takes on a brownish hue when the spring river brings soil and plant particles to the Torne River, where Kiruna residents get their drinking water from.
This is a problem that must now be solved with a new treatment technology and rebuilding of the waterworks.
Disgusting water
- We are rebuilding the waterworks to deal with the annual recurring problem with humus in the water, which means that we get a remark about the drinking water, says Jan Fjordell, CEO of Tekniska Verken in Kiruna.
The discolored and slightly disgusting tap water has been a great snack every spring among the people of Kiruna and many have wondered if it is of a good enough quality.
The municipality will now improve the quality of the drinking water to be able to follow up the requirement from the National Food Administration.
"The water must be of good quality"
- We are obliged to do this to live up to the laws and requirements that the National Food Administration imposes on us, says Jan Fjordell.
Michael Nilsson, who is head of the water department at Kiruna municipality, agrees.
- This means that the drinking water will maintain a good quality all year round.
I think the people of Kiruna are worthy of better water and we have had an incredible number of complaints in the spring and early summer about the brown water, he says.
The rebuilding of the waterworks costs SEK 200 million and will be completed in the spring of 2023.