In Finland, there are approximately 1,800 water supply facilities, of which around 1,100 fall under the scope of the Water Services Act. With the upcoming reform of the Water Services Act, about 230 new water supply facilities—mostly small rural operators, primarily user-owned water cooperatives—will be brought under the law's scope. The available material is extensive and scattered, and these operators typically lack the resources or specialized expertise to ensure water safety. Water cooperatives play a crucial role in rural areas by managing clean water distribution, sewage systems, and wastewater treatment—especially where municipal services are unavailable.
The project aims to provide clear and up-to-date guidelines for rural water services operators to improve safety and preparedness. Better crisis and disruption preparedness will reduce risks to water distribution.
The Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) is responsible for developing a "Water Services Security Toolkit" for small operators. This toolkit will consolidate essential information into a clear and accessible format and will be hosted on the Vesi.fi expert portal. To support effective use of the toolkit, the project will also include online training. Additionally, SYKE is updating the Well Water Analysis Tool, a digital tool that helps both water utilities and private well owners interpret laboratory water analysis results and ensure water quality.
More information
Researcher Johannes Hannuniemi, Finnish Environment Institute, etunimi.sukunimi@syke.fi, p. 0295 252 353
Group Manager Seija Rantonen, Finnish Environment Institute, etunimi.sukunimi@syke.fi, p. 0295 251 126