Joroinen residents urged to save water due to exceptionally low groundwater levels

The water utility in Joroinen, eastern Finland, has issued an unusual call for residents to conserve water after groundwater levels dropped due to low snowfall and dry spring conditions, Yle reports.

Joroinen Vesi is asking households to avoid non-essential water use, including lawn irrigation, filling swimming pools, and other unnecessary watering. The utility sources water from the municipality’s esker ridges, where groundwater levels have fallen significantly.

Technical director Petri Miettinen described the situation as “exceptional but under control,” noting that backup water supplies from Varkaus are available if needed. However, the utility warned that lowered groundwater could disrupt pumping operations and potentially affect water clarity.

This winter saw unusually little snow, and groundwater levels have remained below average across Savonia, North and South Karelia, Central Finland, and Pirkanmaa. The early spring and prolonged drought—now in its second year—have worsened conditions further.