An average resident in Stockholm uses 140 litres of water every day. Residents are now urged to reduce their tap water usage so that supplies last. This applies to all of Stockholm and eleven additional municipalities to varying degrees, including Huddinge, Strängnäs, Nynäshamn, Lidingö, Nacka, Tyresö, Haninge, Botkyrka, Salem, Värmdö, and Ekerö.
– The situation is serious, and we don’t want it to worsen. That is why we are asking Stockholmers to be very mindful of their water usage, says Johanna Ansker, head of water production at Stockholm Vatten och Avfall.
The reason for the shortage is unusually high temperatures in Lake Mälaren, which affect the water plants and limit their capacity.
– When the water becomes warm, it disrupts the filtration systems, which reduces our capacity, says Ansker.
Stockholm city urges residents to avoid watering gardens, not fill pools, take short showers, and wash dishes and laundry sparingly. While there is no watering ban in place, one could be introduced if the public does not follow the recommendations.
With the upcoming school year, many will return from holiday, which typically increases tap water usage.
– People may do all their summer laundry and final chores before going back to work and school again, says Ansker.
When water use exceeds production, some areas may experience low pressure, especially in higher-elevation locations.
– Some properties may have no water while a neighbour below does. The pressure simply isn’t enough because there is too little water.
The sports administration told TT that it will review the impact on Monday, and the parks administration will immediately examine water use in parks.
Earlier this summer, the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) warned of water shortages in eleven counties, including Skåne, Blekinge, Kalmar, and Gotland.