The council keeps advice not to drink tap water in Longyearbyen

The tap water in Longyearbyen has had water quality problems over time. The latest water samples show improvement in several areas, but because the results still vary, Longyearbyen lokalstyre (the local council) maintains its recommendation not to drink water from the tap for the time being.

Drinking water in Longyearbyen is now supplied from the council's summer water source in Steintippdalen. Levels fluctuate somewhat, and the council knows from experience that levels can rise later in the autumn. During the summer/autumn the council will also flush the entire pipe network in Longyearbyen. More is on the council's page Spyling av drikkevannsnettet (Flushing of the drinking water network).

Water samples are taken routinely to monitor water quality.

The local council maintains the recommendation it has had since September 2025 not to drink water from the tap. This applies in particular to people with stomach problems, small children and the elderly.

Free drinking water can be collected at Svalbardbutikken (the Svalbard Store) in containers brought by the user.

This water is supplied from the water treatment plant at Svalbard bryggeri (Svalbard Brewery). The water is produced with reverse osmosis and meets all requirements for drinking water, including odour and taste.

Results from the latest analyses are on the council's page Drikkevannet i Longyearbyen (Drinking water in Longyearbyen).

The council advises avoiding tap water for anyone sensitive to sulfate or nickel.

The council says tap water can be used for showering, washing and other purposes.

The council says free drinking water is available at Svalbardbutikken.

Longyearbyen lokalstyre will continue to monitor water quality and work on measures to improve the water supply.

The aim is to secure a stable and satisfactory water quality for all subscribers.