Concept choice for water supply to be decided in December

A preliminary concept selection study (konseptvalgutredning, KVU) recommends a comprehensive upgrade of Longyearbyen's water supply.

The proposal involves upgrading Isdammen as the main water source, establishing reserve water based on desalination of seawater, and improving the pipe network.

The background is the lack of reserve water and challenges with the water quality in Isdammen. In 2025, Longyearbyen had to establish temporary emergency water after a significant deterioration in the raw water quality.

The recommendation provides for Isdammen to be able to deliver drinking water directly to the pipe network again.

At the same time, a reserve water facility at Hotellneset based on desalination of seawater is proposed, along with measures intended to strengthen supply security and the capacity for firefighting water.

The study has also assessed solutions in which households and businesses have their own water treatment facilities to a greater extent.

In the preliminary assessment, this appears less appropriate than a shared water supply, among other things because it can result in varying water quality, a higher overall need for operation and maintenance, and greater challenges with emergency preparedness and supply security.

Read also: Complex choices for water treatment

The costs are estimated at between NOK 498 million and NOK 582 million. Final costs, financing and progress have not been clarified, and state financing will be an important topic in the further work.

The final KVU has not yet been delivered, and the administration has not taken a position on the recommendation. The case is planned to be considered by Longyearbyen lokalstyre (the local council) in December.

What is a KVU? A concept selection study assesses different ways of solving a need before a concept and solution are chosen.

Why is the study being carried out? The study started to find a solution to the lack of reserve water, but was expanded after the water quality challenges in Isdammen in 2025.