Drinking water

Domestic water must be safe for human health and of good quality: clean, odourless, pleasant-tasting and certified as harmless. The quality of water from waterworks and private wells is monitored in accordance with official guidelines and through regular testing. If you suspect that the water poses a health risk, contact an environmental health inspector or submit an online report.

Drinking water must be safe for consumers. It must not contain harmful microbes or any organic or inorganic substances. Good drinking water is also pleasant-tasting, odourless, colourless and clear, and must not cause corrosion in the water pipes. You can find more information about water quality in your area at vesi.fi.

The health protection authority monitors the quality of drinking water supplied by water utilities. Drinking water must meet the quality requirements and recommendations set out in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree (1352/2015) or Decree (401/2001), depending on the size of the water utility. Water quality is regularly tested in the distribution networks in accordance with monitoring programmes.

It is advisable to contact the environmental health inspector regarding water quality issues whenever there is a suspicion that the water may pose a health risk to users. The health protection authority monitors the quality of domestic water, may order that domestic water be disinfected or otherwise treated, and issues regulations on water use to prevent health hazards. You can also obtain advice and guidance from the environmental health inspector on matters relating to the quality of water from private wells and on quality control.

The quality of well water must comply with the quality requirements and recommendations set out in the Decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (401/2001). It is advisable to have well water (from a ring or borehole) tested a few weeks after the well is completed and thereafter at least every three years to ensure water quality. The most common problems with ring wells are excessive iron and manganese levels, water acidity and microbiological risks caused by surface water runoff. In the case of borehole water, arsenic and radon should be taken into account.

You can report an illness or health conce if you notice something unusual in your tap water (drinking water) or suspect that it has caused symptoms. You can submit a report at ilppa.fi.

Persons responsible for domestic water monitoring

• Keuruu, Kuhmoinen, Mänttä-Vilppula, Jämsä: Antti Koskenlahti
• Ruovesi, Virrat: Tuija Kytönen

Contact details

This content has been translated using AI