Even during short power outages, you should minimize water use

How to prepare for possible power outages?

─ So that the capacity of the sewer network is not exceeded in the event of a power outage and leads to sewage overflows or even flooding of sewers on properties, it is important to minimize water consumption during a power outage. Therefore, even if the water supply continues, the use of warm water, showering and bathing should be avoided during the power outage, water supply manager Kari Pietarinen says.

The supply of tap water continues for a short, approximately 2-hour power outage, because the water comes by gravity from the water tower and water pumping in the water supply network is ensured by backup power.

It is worth checking and verifying the functionality of the anti-flooding devices that may be on the property before power outages.

─ If the customer has a property-specific wastewater pumping station, continuing to use water can quickly cause the sewer to flood on that property, Pietarinen advises.

Always have drinking water at home

Despite the precautionary measures, power cuts can interrupt the water supply. In all households, it is good to have clean drinking water in stock for a few days, 6-10 liters per person. It is also good to have clean buckets or canisters with lids for transporting and storing water.

A power cut does not affect the quality of tap water. It is safe to drink tap water even during a power outage, unless the color or smell of the water differs from usual.

If the water has a different color than usual, it is usually caused by fines released by the flow changes in the network. The problem is eliminated by running the water until its quality is normal.

Imatran Vesi and the Imatran Region's health protection authority will provide information on matters related to the quality of household water if necessary. Imatra region the environmental measure also provides instructions on the risk of legionella bacteria and its prevention with regard to the temperature of the drinking water.

The city informs about disturbances

If a power outage causes disruptions to water distribution or other water supply, they will be announced on the city of Imatra's website, which you should follow. For this purpose, it is advisable to keep the batteries of phones and computers charged in case of an electricity shortage.

In addition, Imatran Vede has an emergency text message service.

For more information:

Water supply manager Kari Pietarinen, p. 020 617 4399, kari.pietarinenimatra.fi (kari[dot]pietarinen[at]imatra[dot]fi)