Published on: 28.11.2019

Information produced by Finnish Environment Institute

Water from a well or the tap?

Those living in the countryside have traditionally obtained their water from private wells. Water distribution and sewer networks are today also expanding to sparsely populated areas. Do you have to join them, and is it worth your while?

Well water has its advantages, and if you already have a well, the price you pay for your water supply is low. On the other hand, your well, pump and other equipment must be maintained, and the well may run dry if the groundwater level drops very low.

Under the Finnish Water Services Act, water and wastewater services must be organised for an area that has a relatively large number of residents, which in practice means population centres. Any property located in a population centre and within a water services operating area must be connected to the water distribution and wastewater networks. The decisions concerning these operating areas are made by the municipalities.

The distribution network can also be extended to sparsely populated areas, where water services are often provided by co-operatives. If a water distribution network becomes available in your area, it is worth joining it as you then no longer need to worry about the quality and adequacy of your water supply. The fees for connecting to the network vary, but they usually are in the range of a few thousand euros. While a sewer network is often built at the same time, the fees charged for joining it are higher.

Residents in sparsely populated areas also have an obligation to join the water distribution and sewage network unless the water and wastewater management arrangements of their properties meet the legal requirements. Those who already have appropriate systems compliant with the current legislation are under no obligation to join the network.

Image: © Eero J. Laamanen, Vastavalo