World · 3 hours ago
Longyearbyen residents told not to drink tap water after metals leak
Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels
Manganese in the supply hit 25 times the recommended limit in September last year, and sulphate and nickel have since topped safe levels. Scientists link it to thawing permafrost exposing pyrite-rich rock, which turns acidic and washes metals into Isdammen, the lake supplying the town. Mayor Terje Aunevik says a whole new water supply may be needed, and he calls the options “extremely expensive”.
Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs