Kyrkjebø residents drank unsafe water for years

Residents of Kyrkjebø in Høyanger municipality were warned Thursday that their tap water contains dangerous levels of aluminium, Dagbladet reports. Authorities imposed an immediate drinking ban and advised against using the water for cooking.

Local documents suggest the contamination may have persisted since 2006. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health confirmed that measured aluminium levels exceed safe limits for multiple age groups, particularly infants and young children. Researcher Trine Husøy noted that animal studies have observed neurological effects, including impaired grip strength and cognitive changes, especially in young subjects.

Linn Elisabeth Dregelid, a resident with four young children, said a neighbour first raised concerns after testing the water. Though initially assured the water was safe, she received a new warning on Thursday confirming it was hazardous. The local water plant was shut down the same day.

“It’s terrible to think our children may have been harmed,” Dregelid said. “And even worse that people knew and didn’t tell us.”

Høyanger municipality has ordered medical checks for all children aged 0–3 between 2021 and 2024. Dregelid questioned why testing wasn’t extended to all age groups, as risks apply to adults as well.

Residents now rely on emergency water supplies from a temporary tank outside the local Joker store. Mathias Hatlestad, another local, said his dog has stopped drinking from the tap. “First they said 2021, then a press release mentioned 2011. That’s a huge gap. It’s infuriating,” he said.

Trust in local authorities has collapsed, according to Jan Erik Dregelid. “It’s gone. How can we trust them again if they knew and said nothing?” he said. He added that residents receive updates through the media rather than directly from officials.