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Groundwater level
Send your observationsGroundwater level situation 7.4.2026
Groundwater levels still low in eastern parts of the country
As snow and soil frost has melted, groundwater levels have begun to rise. The water levels of small groundwater bodies are rising, and the rise has already slowed down in places. In larger groundwater deposits, water levels are only recently starting to rise or started to rise.
The water levels of small groundwater deposits are normal in the south. Water levels 15–20 cm higher than normal occur in places in the west. In the central parts of the country, water levels are mainly normal, but there are also water levels 15–55 cm lower than average in the east. Groundwater levels in Northern Finland are generally 50–115 cm higher than average. There are also typical water levels and water levels 25 cm lower than them in places.
The water levels of medium and large groundwater bodies in the southern parts of the country are typical or lower than usual. In the west, water levels are close to the averages or 15–25 cm lower than them. In the east, groundwater levels are mainly 20–50 cm lower than average. The water levels in Central Finland vary regionally between the east and the west. In the west, the water levels are mainly 10–25 cm higher than average, whereas in the east, the water levels are mainly 15–30 cm lower than average. Water levels 25 cm lower than the average also occur in places in the west. The water levels in Northern Finland are typical or 20–60 cm higher.
The winter decline of groundwater levels turns into a rise in the spring as snow and soil frost melt. Small groundwater deposits react faster and more strongly to changes in weather conditions than larger groundwater bodies, which is why the water levels of small deposits start rising faster. After the groundwater reserves have been replenished by the melting snow, the water levels will start declining again.
The groundwater situation provides an overview of groundwater levels
The groundwater situation is based on groundwater level measurements carried out at monitoring stations in different parts of Finland. The stations are established in areas that are as natural as possible. They represent different climatic and soil conditions. The monitoring network is sparse, and it is therefore important to note that the situation may vary greatly depending on local conditions. The best local groundwater information can be obtained from water utilities, water co-operatives and well users. The observations may also differ from the values calculated by the hydrological model shown on the map.
Local observers perform groundwater level measurements with observation tubes installed vertically in the ground twice a month. At several groundwater stations, the water level is also measured with automatic equipment. The measurement results are presented as altitudes above sea level in the N2000 height system and stored in the groundwater register (POVET).
Further information
Groundwater data in open environmental information systems (Hertta service, available in Finnish)
Why is groundwater important?
After glaciers, groundwaters make up the second largest fresh water reserve on the Earth. Compared to our population, we have plenty of high-quality and accessible groundwater in Finland, and around 65% of domestic water supplied by water utilities in this country is groundwater.
What is actually groundwater?
Groundwater refers to all water under the ground surface that fills open spaces in the soil and bedrock fractures. Groundwater is formed when rainwater, water from snowmelt or surface water infiltrates into soil layers or flows into cracks in the bedrock. Impurities are removed from groundwater as it is filtered through soil layers, making it ideal as a source of drinking water. Some of our tap water comes from artificially recharged groundwater deposits, where surface water has been infiltrated into the soil. While the groundwater reserves in Finland recharge rapidly, there are great variations in the recharge rate globally.
Where can groundwater be found?
Groundwater occurs everywhere but particularly large volumes are formed in areas with sand and gravel deposits ideal for the infiltration of water. Areas with a rich supply of groundwater are called groundwater areas. Groundwater levels are affected by geographical location, soil types, seasons, weather conditions and human actions. The groundwater surface is usually found at a depth of two to five metres below the ground level, and considerably deeper at the centre of sand and gravel deposits. If you have a well, you can see the groundwater level by looking into it. A spring is an outlet where groundwater bubbles out of the ground.
Groundwater and the seasons
Groundwater levels fluctuate naturally as seasons come and go. As the lengths of the seasons vary in different parts of the country, so do fluctuations in groundwater levels. The volume of groundwater decreases in winter because precipitation mainly comes as snow and soil frost prevents the infiltration of water into the soil. Groundwaters are typically at their lowest level in late summer as plants use up water and it evaporates in large quantities throughout the summer, and there may also be long periods of drought. The largest quantities of new groundwater are formed during spring snowmelt and autumn rains.
