Regional water situation

Central Finland, Päijät-Häme and Kymenlaakso 16.7.

In the Kymijoki river basin, the water levels of several natural lakes are exceptionally low for the season. If the rainfall forecast for the weekend is realised, it will slightly alleviate the water situation in the northern parts of the area, otherwise the water levels in the lakes will continue declining.

The water level of Lake Päijänne is around 40 cm lower than the average of the season and at its lowest seasonal level since 1978. The water level is forecast to decline by 0–20 cm by mid-August. The outflow from Lake Päijänne is at around 130 m3/s, and in the lower reaches of River Kymijoki in Kuusankoski, the discharge is at around 180 m3/s, the average discharge of the season being 300 m3/s.

On the Mäntyharju route, the water level of Lake Puula is only slightly lower than the seasonal average, as flow regulation from Kissakoski has remained low since the beginning of May, which is visible in the low water levels in the water system downstream. Out of the headwater lakes on the route, the water level of Lake Iso-Naakkima has been at its lowest seasonal level during its measurement history, and the water level of Lake Synsiä is close to its lowest level in its observation period that began in 1910. The water level of Lake Kyyvesi remains around 30 cm below the average of the season.

Of the lakes in the northern part of the river basin, the outflow of Lake Keitele has been limited for the summer to prevent the water level from falling below the minimum water level required in navigation channels used from May to mid-October. The water level of Lake Ylä-Keitele is around 60 cm below its seasonal average. The July water level of Lake Keitele has only been lower than this in 1942 during its observation period that began in 1886. If the rainfall forecast for the weekend is realised, it will slightly alleviate the situation, and the decline of the water level will cease.

Of the lakes upstream from Lake Keitele, the water level of Lake Kolima is at its lowest level for over 60 years. On the Rautalampi route, the water level of Lake Konnevesi is at its lowest level in its entire observation history and that of Lake Pielavesi-Nilakka is at its lowest level in over 80 years. The water level of Lake Koivujärvi is at a record-low level in its entire observation period of 126 years. According to forecasts, water levels will continue to decline.