Water, Cucumbers, ICA and Mälarcupen

2 November 2026: Tap water in Hallstahammar can be used again, a cucumber proposal in Västerås has received more than 150 votes, and Ica is investigating a large facility in Västerås.

Drinking water in Hallstahammar can be used again

Drinking water in Hallstahammar can be used as usual again, according to Mälarenergi. Since Monday, 26 October, a boil notice has been in effect for large parts of Hallstahammar Municipality after coliform bacteria were found in the water. Mälarenergi now announces that water quality has been ensured and that the boil notice is being lifted. From Monday, 2 November, the water can be used as usual. VLT

Cucumber proposal in Västerås has received over 150 votes

A citizen proposal suggests that Västerås should have an official cucumber symbol. The proposal has received over 150 votes, which means it is one step closer to becoming a reality. One proposal mentioned is that Hitachi Arenan could have a cucumber theme when it is to be renovated. SVT Nyheter Västmanland

Ica investigates major investment in Hacksta in Västerås

Västerås could gain a key role in Ica's future plans. Ica is investigating the possibility of building a fully automated facility of 120,000 square metres in Hacksta, according to VLT. This could strengthen the city's position in Mälardalen. VLT

Mälarcupen brings together 913 wrestlers from 21 nations

This year’s Mälarcup in wrestling brings together 913 wrestlers from 21 nations and is being held for the 59th time. Behind the competition lies extensive voluntary work – from laying the mats to running the café and cleaning. SVT Nyheter Västmanland

Fire in an apartment building in Sala

A fire broke out in an apartment in Åkra in Sala on Monday morning. The emergency services were alerted at 07.37. The emergency services arrived at the fully developed fire at around eight o'clock, and the two people who had been in the apartment beforehand had already managed to get out on their own. Shortly after eight, the fire in the apartment had been extinguished, but the work of searching for any smoldering fires and ventilating the building continued. According to the emergency services’ incident commander, there are no reports of personal injuries. The police have cordoned off an area and will investigate what happened; by Monday late morning, it was unclear whether anyone was suspected of a crime. SVT Nyheter Västmanland

Candles are lit in the pet memorial grove on All Saints' Day

On All Saints' Day, candles are lit in memory of those who have passed away. A pet memorial grove outside Västerås receives the ashes of pets cremated together at the crematorium. Pet owners can come there to remember their pets and light candles. SVT Nyheter Västmanland

In brief

• 1 000 jobs could disappear in Västmanland as AI replaces work, according to a calculation from Tidsbyrån based on SCB's occupational register. VLT
• Connor McDavid is chasing Wayne Gretzky's 40-year-old points record in the NHL, where Gretzky recorded 215 points in the 1985–86 season. VLT
• A 114 square metre house on Tjärdalsgatan 1 in Västerås, built in 1970, has been sold for 4 300 000 kr and the ownership transfer was made in October 2026. VLT
• VLT has published 237 party photos from the Halloween celebration at O’Learys and Ruths over the weekend. VLT