Permafrost thaw contaminates Svalbard water supply, Longyearbyen taps unsafe

Longyearbyen, Svalbard, has declared tap water undrinkable after heavy metals from thawing permafrost contaminated the Isdammen reservoir. This is a first occurrence for the town and signals a new climate-driven hazard for Arctic communities. The extent and duration of contamination remain uncertain, but the event underscores permafrost thaw as a direct threat to critical infrastructure.