The announcement came after one of the main water supply pipes sprung a major water leak.

"You may notice low water pressure in the system or that the water coming out of your tap is discoloured. Please be extremely conservative with your water usage so that the reservoirs last until the leak has been repaired," said Sydvatten, the water provider in several municipalities in southern Sweden, in a statement on Wednesday morning.

The advisory applies to all of Malmö, Svedala, Burlöv, Staffanstorp and Vellinge municipalities, as well as to Dalby and Veberöd in the municipality of Lund.

People are being asked to avoid showering, doing the dishes, washing clothes, and watering plants.