New €7M wastewater facility leaks into groundwater

A newly commissioned wastewater equalization facility meant to protect a local lake is instead contaminating groundwater, with officials still investigating the cause and potential costs of repairs.

Växjö municipality invested 80 million kronor in a new equalization basin intended to handle wastewater.

But now it appears that the newly built facility, which was inaugurated in February this year, is also sharing some of that wastewater. It’s leaking out into the groundwater, reports Smålandsposten.

“This is not good and we are not satisfied with this, absolutely not. Because this is not how it should be,” says water and sewerage manager Malin Engström to the newspaper.

The equalization basin consists of a concrete basin with capacity for up to 7,000 cubic meters of wastewater and an earth dam with capacity for 20,000 cubic meters.

“We need a clear picture of the situation”

Exactly how the problem occurred, how it should be remedied, and what potential costs might amount to remain unknown today.

“We need to get a clearer picture of what the problem is and investigate what options are available,” says Malin Engström.