Dams and regulation of waters

There are approximately 430 major dams in Finland. Of these, some 310 are in watercourses and the rest are waste and tailings dams. The owner of a dam is responsible for its maintenance and safe operation. The Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment supervise the safety of dams that may cause danger under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, as specified in the Dam Safety Act. The main responsibility for the duties of the supervisory authority for dam safety rests with the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Kainuu. In case of accidents, however, rescue operations are the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior and the rescue services operating under it.

For water regulation purposes, dams and hydropower constructions can be used to adjust water levels and flows, thus promoting the objectives set for the use and management of waters. There are about 240 water regulation projects underway in Finland, involving more than 300 lakes. Usually the regulation of waters serves several objectives, including hydropower production, flood protection, water abstraction, fisheries and recreational use. Developing water regulation is a good example of societal decision-making where the aim is to reconcile various interests, also taking account of conflicting views. A permit under the Water Act is required for the regulation of waters. The holder of the permit must see that any changes to water levels and flows are in compliance with the permit conditions. The Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment manage the flow regulation tasks that are the responsibility of the State, under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Useful external website

Dams and dam safety

Watercourse regulation