Children called for medical checks after aluminium found in water

Høyanger municipality has called in all children aged 0–3 who have lived in Kyrkjebø since 2021 for health checks after unsafe aluminium levels were detected in the local drinking water, NRK reports, citing a municipal press release.

Review of water samples dating back to 2004 showed elevated aluminium readings from 2011 onwards, with average concentrations of 0.54 mg/l and peaks of 0.84 mg/l—well above the 0.2 mg/l safety limit. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health flagged the exceedances on Friday, prompting an immediate drinking-water ban in Kyrkjebø.

Trine Husøy, a researcher at the institute’s food safety division, said high aluminium exposure may affect the nervous system, citing reduced grip strength and cognitive effects observed in animal studies. Children are considered most vulnerable.

Mayor Petter Sortland called the situation serious and vowed to investigate thoroughly. The municipality stated the elevated levels at the Kyrkjebø waterworks are not linked to a nearby Norsk Hydro aluminium plant, which is located several kilometres away.