When the drinking water must be boiled
If there are suspicions that the drinking water contains microorganisms that can make you sick, Oskarshamn Municipality will advise you to boil the drinking water.
If it becomes necessary for all or parts of the municipality's households to boil water, we will inform you via SMS, P4 Kalmar radio, our website, social media, and the local press.
If you are registered at an address and have a mobile phone publicly registered to the same address, you will automatically receive SMS notifications if your area is affected. You can check if your contact information is in the register and add more contact details if needed.
Check your contact information for SMS notifications in case of disruptions (in Swedish)
How to boil water
- Boil the water in a pot or kettle until it bubbles vigorously.
It is enough to bring the water to a boil – it doesn’t need to boil for a specific time. - Por the boiled drinking water into a thoroughly cleaned jug, bottle, or other container and let it cool. Let it stand at room temperature or cooler – preferably in a refrigerator.
- Use boiled water when brushing your teeth, making coffee, and rinsing vegetables.
- You can cook pasta or other food in tap water. Boiling the food will kill the bacteria.
- You can boil tea water in the microwave; just make sure it bubbles vigorously.
Water Samples
To ensure that the water is safe to drink again, we will take water samples. Once the samples are ready, we will inform those affected via SMS. We will also post information on our website.
FAQs
Information in other languages (livsmedelsverket.se)
Why do I need to boil the water?
Sometimes the water supply system may lose pressure, and as a precaution, you may need to boil water intended for food and drink.
How long should the water boil?
Bring the water in a pot or kettle to a vigorous boil. It is enough to bring it to a boil – it doesn’t need to boil for a specific time.
What should I do if I drank the water?
The risk of getting sick is very small. If you are worried, you can always contact the healthcare hotline at 1177.
Am I going to get sick now?
Boiling is a precautionary measure, and you don’t need to get sick. If you feel unwell, contact the healthcare hotline at 1177 or your local health center.
What if I feel unwell?
The incubation period for organisms is about one day. If you feel unwell, contact the healthcare hotline at 1177 or your local health center.
I run a restaurant or similar business. Do I need to boil the water too?
Yes, you do.
Can I wash dishes in tap water?
Yes, you can wash dishes by hand or in a dishwasher. Let the dishes dry before using them. Use the dishwasher's highest temperature setting.
Can I cook pasta or other food in tap water?
Yes, boiling the food will kill the bacteria.
Can I boil a cup of tea water in the microwave?
Yes, but make sure the tea water bubbles vigorously.
Can I shower?
Yes, it is fine to shower, but make sure that small children do not swallow the water. Aviod taking a bath.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water?
No. Brush your teeth with boiled water. A tip is to use a toothbrush cup.
Can I use tap water in my coffee maker?
No. Coffee makers do not heat the water enough to kill microorganisms.
Can my pet drink the water?
Pets require drinking water of the same quality as humans, according to the Swedish Board of Agriculture. You can read more on The Swedish Board of Agriculture's webbsite.
Can I shower with a wound or risk of infection?
You can shower without risk.
My infant drank the water before we knew about the boiling recommendation. What should we do now?
Wait for any symptoms. If you are worried or feel unwell, contact the healthcare hotline at 1177.
I am pregnant and drank the water, what should I do?
Wait for any symptoms. If you are worried or feel unwell, contact the healthcare hotline at 1177.
I am breastfeeding, what should I do?
Wait for any symptoms. If you are worried or feel unwell, contact the healthcare hotline at 1177.
