Rantasalmi issues water ban following Haukivesi oil spill

An oil spill in Haukivesi, involving an estimated hundreds of liters of synthetic motor oil from a vessel, has led to a water usage ban in the Rantasalmi municipality. The contamination affects the area between Vuorisaari and Lehtikiukku, as well as the shores of Voinsalmi and Repomäki villages, including parts of Linnansaari National Park.

Effective August 19, 2026, South Savo environmental health authorities have prohibited the use of lake water for any purpose that could expose humans or animals to oil. This includes drinking, domestic use, bathing, watering vegetables, and watering animals. The ban also extends to private wells near the shoreline due to the risk of seepage. Rantasalmi municipality has organized emergency water distribution at the S-Market in Kirkonkylä.

Cleanup operations have transitioned from active containment to a post-cleanup phase, with responsibility shifting from the rescue services to the Rantasalmi municipality. Authorities, including Metsähallitus and experts from WWF, are conducting shoreline reconnaissance to assess the scope of cleaning required. While no oil-stained animals have been reported yet, residents are urged to report any sightings of oil on shores or animals to local officials.