A water leak occurred in Varberg municipality, Sweden, discovered on Tuesday, prompting immediate water conservation measures. A boiling recommendation for drinking water was issued for Varberg municipal customers, except in specific areas, and remained in effect until test results expected on Tuesday. Water tanks were set up at Varbergs Arena and Håstens torg in Varberg, requiring users to bring their own containers, as part of emergency measures including tanker trucks.
Schools and preschools in Varberg remained open on Thursday, though several schools urged parents to pick up children early. Sports halls, culture schools, and youth centers in Varberg were closed on Wednesday evening to reduce water usage, with all municipal leisure facilities closed on Wednesday afternoon but reopening normally on Thursday. Ice rinks and swimming pools in Varberg remained closed.
The library in Varberg remained open but may have had closed toilets. Healthcare facilities in Varberg were provided with special water tanks, and hospitals had water reserves with operations initially unaffected. Water levels in the Våga water tower in Varberg stabilized, so customers no longer needed to be extra sparing with water, and there is no risk of water shortage due to stable levels and adequate production.
Vivab restarted water production in Varberg but urged continued conservation to refill reservoirs, after a water shortage was expected during the day on Wednesday due to lack of new water production. All customers in Varberg were recommended to boil water before use when it returns, regardless of previous water availability. The situation is critical for drinking water supply in Varberg, with no prognosis for when the leak will be fixed.
The Våga water tower, inaugurated in 2025 to ensure stable water supply, cost approximately 500 million SEK, exceeding its original budget by 66%, and leaked before operation, leading to water shortages where residents queued for water from tanker trucks. A major water leak affected central Varberg, with Vivab's CEO describing it as serious and impacting the entire area. In a related incident, due to a water leak between Lišmmajávri and Polmak, there will be periodic water shut-offs in Tana, Norway on Monday.
Svenskt Vatten predicts increased water leaks nationwide without higher investment, and Vivab's chairman notes the need for tax hikes to fund infrastructure repairs.