The work of the Institute
NIVA had been working on a report on pollution in the Oslofjord since 1962. In the autumn of 1970, they were due to reveal their findings at the international Världen, Vattnet och [JC1] Vi (“The World, Water and Us”) exposition in Jönköping in Sweden. At the event, this model became a focal point where NIVA could share its knowledge about the terrible condition of the fjord.
Swimming in a sewer
You may have heard stories from the 1960s and 70s about people “swimming in a sewer” on the beaches of the Oslofjord. And it’s true – but we are glad to report that water quality in the inner Oslofjord is now greatly improved, primarily due to the construction of sewage treatment plants and better systems for managing waste water. However, all is not well in the fjord, and pollution hasn’t stopped. It’s just less visible now.
Who is responsible?
The NIVA model became part of an exhibition that was shown in many municipalities around the Oslofjord. In the municipalities where the council took an interest in the exhibition, it was well visited, and the message about the pollution in the fjord was disseminated to the local people. However, where the municipal councils showed little interest, not many people found out about it.
What determines what we hear about – and what we don’t hear about?
Chosen by Martin, museum public liaison officer (40)
The Oslofjord Museum – gift from the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)