A major water pipe burst Friday evening at Oslo's National Hospital complex. The rupture affected several areas including the maternity ward. Hospital staff temporarily lost running water during the incident.
Crews stopped the leak just before midnight. Health officials issued a boil water advisory that remains active through Saturday. The advisory covers Gaustad, TÃ¥sen, Berg and surrounding neighborhoods.
Oslo municipality confirmed the advisory extends until November 1. The National Hospital now uses bottled water instead of tap water. Hospital representatives confirmed this temporary measure in a press statement.
Why does a single pipe rupture affect multiple city districts? Oslo's water infrastructure connects neighborhoods through shared distribution lines. A break in one section can impact water quality across broader areas.
The hospital's quick switch to bottled water prevented patient care disruptions. Still, the incident highlights aging infrastructure challenges in Norway's capital city. Water main breaks remain relatively common in older urban districts.
Health authorities recommend boiling all tap water in affected zones. Residents should bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. The advisory covers drinking, cooking and tooth brushing purposes.