Questions and answers in English

Questions and answers

• expand_more

  What has happened?

  A sample at one of our routine drinking water sampling sites in Björklinge has indicated high concentrations of PAH. As a precautionary measure Uppsala Vatten recommends not to use drinking water from the public drinking water system for drinking or food preparation in Björklinge, Läby, and Skuttunge.

• expand_more

  What is PAH?

  PAH stands for Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and is a group consisting of hundreds of compounds which form when carbon based material is heated or burnt. Benzapyrene (BaP) is one of the most studied PAHs.  

• expand_more

  Where is PAH found?

  The largest sources of PAHs for non-smokers are food and air pollutants. Grilled and smoked foods contain the highest levels of PAH, while for example cereals and table margarines contain low levels. Source: Sweden’s National Food Administration.
  
  

• expand_more

  What is Uppsala Vatten doing now?

  We will continuously take water samples around Björklinge, Skuttunge and Läby to continuously monitor the drinking water quality. We have begun an thorough investigation to find the cause of the problem.

• expand_more

  What test results have we received so far?

  We take samples at several places in the area. The sample of concern was just above the limit value.
  
  Limit value for benz (a) pyrene is 0.010 µg / l and our content was 0.012 µg / l
  The limit value for PAHΣ4 (which is the sum of the levels of benzo (g) fluoranthene, benzo (k) fluoranthene, benzo (g, h, i) perylene and Indeno (123cd) perylene) is 0.10 µg / and our concentration was 0.123 µg / l

• expand_more

  What do I do if someone claiming to be from Uppsala Vatten want to enter to take a water sample?

  If and when someone representing Uppsala Vatten, or one of our subcontractors, contact you, remember that:

  We will always introduce ourselves by name. If you have any doubt about someone claiming to represent Uppsala Vatten, you can always call our customer service, 018-727 94 00, and they can help you verify that the person is representing the company. 

  When someone from Uppsala Vatten or any of our subcontractors visit you, you can always ask for a valid ID. Do not let anyone claiming to represent Uppsala Vatten, who cannot ID themselves, into your home. This applies even if the meeting has been pre-booked by email or phone.

  If you suspect the person might attempt burglary or any other crime, you should call the police immidiately.

• expand_more

  How long do we think the recommendation will apply?

  In the event of drinking water exceeding recommended guidelines, at least two positive test results are always required before we lift the recommendation not to drink the tap water in the area. The latest information regarding which recommendations apply is always available here on the website.

• expand_more

  Is it dangerous if I have already drunk the water?

  The health risk is judged to be low in individuals who have briefly ingested PAHs in drinking water. Applicable limit values are set based on long-term consumption.
  
  The risk that you have ingested something inappropriate via the water is low. We have been in contact with the Sweden’s National Food Administration and they have made the assessment that the levels we have measured are not dangerous to health. The recommendations we are now issuing are a precautionary measure. At the last regular sampling on 26 October 2020, there were no occurrences of PAH, which precludes a long-term occurrence.

• expand_more

  Can I boil away the pollution?

  No, PAH is a pollutant that cannot be boiled away.

• expand_more

  Where can I get water?

  Locations of water tanks where you can get the water for drinking and cooking:
  
  1.Upplands Energi, Ramsjövägen 46
  2.Din X, Gävlevägen 231
  3.Björklinge center, Södra Långåsvägen 4
  4.Skuttunge school
  5.Old gas station, Läby

• expand_more

  What if I have my own water well?

  You are not affected by the recommendation. 

• expand_more

  Can I use drinking water to rinse vegetables and fruits or cook pasta in?

  Drinking water from the tap should not be used for food preparation or as a beverage.

• expand_more

  Can I use my coffee maker or percolator as usual?

  No. Drinking water from the tap must not be used when preparing drinks.

• expand_more

  Can I drink coffee from a coffee machine?

  In general no. If the coffee supplier guarantees that the water in the coffee machine is not taken from the municipal water supply, you can drink coffee from the coffee machine, but otherwise avoid it.

• expand_more

  Can restaurant vending machines (so-called syrup vending machines) be used?

  Generally no. If the supplier guarantees that the water in the syrup dispenser is not taken from the municipal water supply, you can drink soft drinks from soft drink dispensers, but otherwise avoid it.

• expand_more

  Can I feed my pet, such as a dog and cat, water directly from the tap?

  Until further notice, you should not give your pet drinking water from the tap.

• expand_more

  How do I use water for toothbrushing?

  Drinking water from the tap should not be used when brushing teeth.

• expand_more

  Can I flush the toilet with the water?

  Yes, but in the process of flushing the pipeline network of the pollutant, Uppsala Vatten may have turn of water in some areas for a short period of time. But in the event that this happens, we will notify residents in the affected area.

• expand_more

  Can I wash my hands under the tap?

  Yes you can wash your hands with tap water. Use soap and dry your hands thoroughly after hand washing.

• expand_more

  Can I take a shower?

  Yes, but avoid drinking the water in the shower.

• expand_more

  Can I use the washing machine?

  Yes, it is possible to wash in the washing machine.

• expand_more

  Can I do the dishes?

  Yes, but let what you have washed dry thoroughly afterwards.

• expand_more

  Does my water softener remove the PAH?

  No, typical water softeners do not remove PAH.

• expand_more

  If I have my own well can I have my water analysed for PAH?

  It is possible to purchase a PAH  test of your own well water. Bottles can be picked up, for example, at our water laboratory and then sent in for analysis. It is also possible to turn to other laboratories such as ALS, Eurofins or SynLab.  

• expand_more

  I have carbon filters or other types of filters, does it remove PAH?

  If you have questions about your carbon filter or other types of filters, its is best to contact the seller / manufacturer with questions concerning the suitability for PAH removal.

• expand_more

  Can workplaces / companies / associations / private individuals order their own water tank?

  At present, we can not provide this service.