ABSTRACT
The countrywide hydrogeochemical mapping of rural springs and wells carried out by the Geological Survey and the statutory quality monitoring of public water utilities by the National Board of Waters provide comprehensive data for evaluating the quality of Finnish groundwaters and their assumed health implications. According to international standards Finnish groundwaters are very soft, being diluted Ca(HCO3)2 waters. The highest concentrations in bedrock groundwater are found in a broad belt across southern Finland. Finnish groundwaters are especially vulnerable to deleterious changes as they are naturally quite acidic and very poorly buffered. The hydrogeochemical mapping project conducted by the Geological Survey on the groundwater occurring in overburden and bedrock in rural areas without access to reticulated public water supplies indicates greater variations in water quality. The comprehensive material provides a good opportunity for considering the quality of groundwater with reference to the geological environment and the health of the population.
