Boil advisory may soon be lifted in Hamina as water tests negative for contaminants

In Hamina, a water boil advisory may be lifted as soon as Saturday. Nine rapid water samples taken on Thursday have all tested negative for contaminants. Olli Sorvari, the CEO of Haminan Vesi, stated that it appears to have been a temporary quality issue linked to the introduction of new pipe sections during renovation and network construction projects.

If follow-up samples remain clear, the boil water advisory can be revoked by the health inspector’s decision on Saturday. Disinfection of the water system commenced on Thursday and will continue for a week, during which residents may still notice a chlorine smell and taste in the water.

Despite the advisory, residents can use the water as usual, adhering to the health inspector’s guidelines. Olli Sorvari also mentioned that the water supply for critical entities like schools and care homes has been secured through the distribution of alternative water supplies, with Haminan Vesi providing tanks to these facilities.

The situation has been unusual for Haminan Vesi, as simultaneous observations from multiple sampling points are rare. Sorvari emphasized that while these are quality targets, any exceedance is taken seriously. The company is encouraging residents to provide their phone numbers for smoother future communications. Plans to post instructions on their website and initiate a campaign to facilitate this are underway.

As a result of the advisory, the demand for bottled water has surged in Hamina, necessitating a shift in consumption habits for residents.