Oil-like odor disrupts care home routine in Savitaipale

A care home in Savitaipale, South Karelia, has been without drinkable tap water for over a month after an unusual odor was detected in the supply before Midsummer, Yle reports.

Staff at Attendo Kaijankoti and Kuikankoti, which together house 50 elderly residents, first noticed the smell on 16 June. Described as oil-like, slightly sewer-like, or resembling detergent, the odor prompted an immediate ban on drinking the water. Since then, drinking water has been transported in from an external tank in the yard.

Multiple tests by Lappeenranta regional environmental health authorities found no bacterial or chemical abnormalities, including normal levels of iron and manganese. The municipal water network also showed no issues, according to Savitaipale’s technical services manager Olli Sirén.

A plumbing contractor is now set to inspect the building’s entire water system. The facility, completed about 18 months ago, remains under a drinking water restriction, though authorities permitted its use for washing and dishwashing from 25 June.

Health inspector Anni Antikainen cited communication challenges and the holiday season for delays in resolving the issue, calling the prolonged situation unusual.