Water crisis in Kirkenes. Municipality urges residents to turn off their taps

Another pipe rupture occurred late on Sunday evening, 25 October, in the Sandnes area by Langfjorden. It was the second breakdown within a few days. The previous leak appeared on 21 October. The municipality suspects that it washed away the soil around the pipe and increased the strain on it. The cause of the latest failure is to be determined conclusively after the repair.

The required part was flown in from southern Sweden. It arrived on site on Tuesday before noon and was installed. At around 12:35 p.m., an NRK reporter was already observing cautious attempts to restart the water supply. Deputy mayor Tore Fredrik Nilsen told NRK that the aim was to restore supply before 8 p.m. However, water must be let into the pipes gradually to avoid causing further damage. The expected timing therefore depends on how the work progresses. In the morning, the municipality estimated that, at the current level of consumption, the reserve tank would be empty at around 7 p.m. Nilsen later said that the supply should last until 8–8:30 p.m.

Round-the-clock collection points are operating in Elvenes by Rundvannet and at Vargheim on the Sør-Varanger garrison grounds. To access the military site, residents must bring valid identification and follow security instructions. The recommendation to boil water from the mains remains in force. The municipality has maintained it until a new notice is issued. The water remaining in the tank is intended above all to secure care homes and the Kirkenes Legesenter clinic. The hospital is using an emergency tank, which is being replenished by emergency services. According to NRK, the breakdown led to the cancellation of some appointments and the postponement of scheduled operations, affecting around 200 patients.

On Tuesday, classes for grades 1–4 were cancelled at Kirkenes skole, Hesseng Flerbrukssenter, and Sandnes og Bjørnevatn skole. Older students affected by the restrictions are studying at home. Children of key service workers in grades 1–4 can receive care at Kirkenes skole. According to the municipality's announcement, Kirkenes barnehage is operating normally. Other kindergartens are closed. Care has been arranged at Kirkenes barnehage for children of key service workers from those facilities.