Domestic water
Network water
The Health Protection Authority monitors the quality of the water supplied by water companies. The regular monitoring of water supply establishments is carried out in accordance with the monitoring plan of the Environmental Health Authority. To ensure the quality of domestic water, regular samples are taken from the network and water intakes in accordance with the water utility’s monitoring programme.
Depending on the size of the facility, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health’s regulations (1352/2015 or 401/2001) apply to the monitoring of the quality of domestic water. Water used in a food business or distributed as part of a public or commercial activity is also covered.
In the event of a water supply disruption and for normal network water quality issues such as water colour, turbidity, odour, taste and hardness, the consumer is asked to contact the water supplier in the first instance. In case of suspected water contamination, please contact either the environmental health inspector or the household water supplier.
More information on the supervision of water utilities can be found on the Valvira website.
Well water
If domestic water is taken from a well on the property, the owner or occupier of the property is responsible for monitoring the water quality and the condition of the well. The quality of the well water (ring or borehole) should be tested when the well is completed, before it is put into service, and then every three years or so thereafter(Guidance on water sampling and water sample collection). The water quality should also be tested if any changes in taste, smell or colour of the water are detected. The cost of testing, servicing and maintaining well water is the responsibility of the well owner.
If you have any doubts about the quality of the well water, you should inspect the well structures and, if necessary, repair them and check the quality of the well water. If the well water is contaminated, the well should be disinfected. If you want to have the water quality tested, you can contact either an environmental health inspector or the laboratory of Savo-Karjalan Ympäristötutkimus Oy.
More information on well construction, maintenance and water quality can be found on the Environment Agency’s website.