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Stormwater

Stormwater is rainwater or meltwater that is drained away from the ground surface, building roofs and other similar locations. Water used to drain building foundations, also known as sub-soil drainage water, is also classified as stormwater. The stormwater network consists of constructed pipework and open ditches that form part of the network.

With the establishment of the new water company (Kuopion Vesi Oy, effective from 1 January 2020), responsibility for the management of drinking water and wastewater was transferred to the water company, whilst responsibility for stormwater management remained with the local authority.

At present, stormwater management is regulated by the Land Use Act ( 132/1999, as amended by682/2014). Furthermore, the Act on Flood Risk Management (Flood Act, 620/2010), which came into force in 2010, sets out the municipality’s responsibility for planning the management of stormwater flood risks. The stormwater charge, based on the Land Use Act, covers the costs incurred by the local authority in the construction and maintenance of the stormwater system.

The introduction of a stormwater charge in the municipality of Siilinjärvi was discussed bythe Technical Committee (Tekltk) on 30 October 2019, item 85, by the Municipal Executive Committee (Kh) on 11 November 2019, item 156, and by the Municipal Council (Kv) on 9 December 2019, item 44.

At its meeting on 22 April 2025, under agenda item 35, the Technical Committee reviewedthe catchment area of the municipality’s stormwater system, stormwater charges and general stormwater regulations.