The drinking water must be boiled in eastern Espoo, Kauniainen and Linnainen, Vantaa

News releases 19.02.2024, 20:00

Updated list of areas where water must be boiled on February 20 at 9:58. The disruption is due to a main water pipe breakage in Mäkkylä, Espoo. The leak from the main water pipe caused a widespread water distribution disruption in Espoo and Kauniainen north and east of Turuntie and in Linnainen, Vantaa.

News release published online on February 20th at 9:00 PM: Drinking water still needs to be boiled in eastern Espoo, Kauniainen, and Linnainen in Vantaa.

Updated boil water advisory area on February 20 at 9:55.
Updated temporary water distribution points on February 20 at 12:28.

The leakage has been isolated, and repairs have begun. There are no properties without water in the area, and the water supply to the properties is functioning, but as a precaution, drinking water and water used for cooking should still be boiled. The water should be boiled for at least five minutes. Also, water used in coffee or tea makers should be boiled first. After the water has been boiled, it is still usable even after it has cooled. The water should be boiled at least Tuesday, February 20, until the health authorities have ensured the water quality in the area. The information will be updated on February 20 at 21:00. 

Due to the disruption, brown iron-containing material may detach from the network. There may also be air in the network, visible in the water as bubbles or a grayish color. We encourage flushing water until it runs clear. 

However, if you have already consumed water, the risk of health problems is very low.

The water must be boiled in the following areas:

Area in a map

00370 Espoo Sotaviskaalintie, Sotatuomarintie, Mäkkyläntie and Sotarovastintie
01640 Vantaa only Linnainen
02600 Espoo Kelanpiha 1, Inkoonkuja, Siuntiontie 18 and 20
02610 Espoo
02620 Espoo
02630 Espoo
02650 Espoo
02660 Espoo
02680 Espoo
02700 Kauniainen
02710 Espoo
02720 Espoo
02730 Espoo
02740 Espoo Pakankylä, Kalmari
02750 Espoo, excluding the southern parts of Turunväylä
02920 Espoo
02940 Espoo
02970 Espoo

We are setting up temporary water distribution points

The water distribution points are located in Hämeenkylä at Auratie 2, in Espoo center at the station square at Asemakuja 4, and in Leppävaara on Uuno Kailaas street at the fire hydrant. 

Water from areas that require the water to be boiled can still be used. Boil the water at least 5 minutes before using it to drink or to cook with.

Questios and answers

When will the water samples be ready? The water samples will be ready on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. We will inform about the results at 21:00.

Until when do I need to boil the water? The advisory to boil the water is in effect until the health authorities have confirmed the water quality in the area. We will inform about the end or continuation of the boil water advisory on February 20, 2024, at 21:00.

Why was the advisory issued? The boil water advisory was issued as a precautionary measure for residents in the area due to potential impurities entering the water supply system because of low pressure. Boiling water destroys bacteria.

Can food be rinsed with unboiled water? Food such as vegetables or fruits should not be rinsed with unboiled water. Vegetables and fruits eaten raw should be rinsed with boiled and cooled water.

Can teeth be brushed with unboiled water? Teeth should be brushed with boiled water.

Can water be used for bathing and laundry? Water can be used for bathing. However, avoid getting water in the mouth or eyes. Similarly, laundry can be washed in water.

Can dishes be washed with unboiled water? Dishes can be washed with unboiled water. Dishes can be used after washing when they are thoroughly dried or carefully dried.

Can hands be washed with unboiled water? Hands can be washed with unboiled water. Dry your hands thoroughly afterward.

How many residents are affected by the advisory? Approximately 100,000 people.

If I live in a neighboring area with a different postal code, can water be safely consumed? If you live outside the affected area, it means your water supply is routed differently. The pipe break has not affected the water distribution in your area, and water does not need to be boiled.

Why did the pipe break have such widespread impacts? It was the main trunk water pipe of HSY that supplies water to a large area. However, we managed to isolate the leak and redirect the water through another route, restoring water distribution to properties.

What caused the pipe break? Aging of the main trunk water pipe.

How much water has leaked? Approximately 10,000 m3 of water leaked during the pipe break on Monday.

Why did HSY's website crash? On the evening of February 19, 2024, our website was temporarily down for about half an hour due to a high volume of visitors. There was an unexpectedly large influx of visitors to the site after a danger alert was published. We have taken measures to prevent similar situations in the future. We apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience.

Why didn't HSY send text messages to residents in the area? A public alert system provided broader reach.

Why aren't we publishing the map? The map was published on February 20.

What risk is there when drinking water with quality disturbances?

In the case of this pipe breakage, it has been assessed that the health risks are unlikely for those who have consumed the water. However, there is a possibility that contaminants from the soil may have entered the water distribution network. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, the health authority has issued a boil water advisory for the area.

What should one do if they have consumed several deciliters of water? What symptoms should prompt a visit to the health center?

According to current information, it is highly unlikely that drinking water poses a health risk even if consumed in larger quantities. However, if symptoms occur and there is suspicion that they are due to water consumption, it is advisable to contact the health center if experiencing high fever, severe diarrhea, or deteriorating general condition.

When returning from vacation after a boil water advisory, is there anything special to do at home, like flushing water?

It is always recommended to run tap water before use, especially if the water has been stagnant in the pipes for longer periods.

Updated : 20.02.2024 22:20
Topics :
Water and sewers
,
Disturbance in water supply
,
Water supply cuts
,