At four o'clock on Sunday morning, someone forced open the door at Helsingevatten's high-water reservoir in Bollnäs. Staff and police were quickly on the scene and cordoned off the area.
The water company's CEO, Ylva Jedebäck Lindberg, rules out the possibility that the break-in was a prank or a spontaneous idea from a passerby. The water tower is located in a remote area and there is only one way to get there.
You need to bring tools and spend some time. There are bars and locks and alarms when the outer door is opened.
She emphasizes that it is not known whether those who broke in went as far as the drinking water basin, but as a precautionary measure, residents are now being advised to boil their water.
The boiling will kill bacteria and viruses. Based on the smell, it has been possible to rule out that the water could be contaminated with petroleum products.
In collaboration with the National Food Agency, they are now investigating how quickly the water can be tested.
Test results normally take a few days, but it may be possible to speed up the process.
The incident has led to Bollnäs Hospital going into emergency mode, reports Ljusnan. For the time being, the hospital is boiling all water intended for food and drink.
Initially, it was announced that the municipality of Ovanåker was also affected, but this was later withdrawn as it was incorrect.
The warning to boil water has been sent out as a VMA, an important message to the public.