State of small water bodies is mostly poor

Small water bodies have been previously underestimated. They have been altered and destroyed; many have succumbed to construction or other activities. Moreover, small water bodies are particularly sensitive to the pollution from their catchment areas. As a result, the majority of small waters, especially in Southern Finland, have either been lost or have lost their natural characteristics. This has led to the loss of important habitats and natural values. Most of the habitat types in small waters are now threatened.

However, the trend is changing. Efforts are now directed toward the protection and restoration of small waters. Restoration projects are carried out by various associations, as well as landowners, municipalities, and the government. Voluntary restoration work is of broad interest, and funding is provided by the Ministry of the Environment's Helmi habitat programme and several other programs and organizations.

Condition of springs is the poorest, and their restoration is challenging

In Finland, less than a tenth of springs are in a natural state, with approximately one-hundredth remaining untouched. Springs have been destroyed due to land drainage and construction, and many have been altered for water supply purposes. Many species specific to springs are threatened. Efforts are made to restore springs, but restoration is challenging, as the local ecosystem may have already adapted to the altered conditions.

Stream ecosystem is heavily damaged, with slow progress in restoration

Streams are frequently straightened and altered due to land drainage and activities such as logging. Stream ecosystem is also affected by eutrophication, sedimentation of the bottoms, as well as culverts and other obstacles to passage. Many stream habitat types and species, such as trout and freshwater pearl mussels, are threatened. The increasing appreciation for flowing waters has accelerated the restoration of streams in both urban and rural areas. However, the overall condition of streams is improving slowly.

Coastal fladas and glo-lakes face various pressures

The characteristic fladas and glo-lakes of the uplift coasts naturally change over time: a sea bay evolves into an almost closed flada and eventually into a detached glo. Both habitat types are classified as threatened; their delicate nature has been damaged especially by dredging and eutrophication. The importance of fladas and glo-lakes as spawning areas for pikes and perches has been recognized, which has accelerated restoration efforts.

Legislation and guidance support the preservation of small water bodies

The Water Act protects some of the small water bodiess. Included in the scope of protection are natural springs, small ponds, and fladas and glo-lakes larger than ten hectares. The Forestry Act obliges the preservation of the characteristics of natural and similar streams. Guidelines for basic drainage of agricultural land have been updated to promote natural drainage ditches.

Strategy for small water bodies aims to raise their importance and put them on par with larger ones

A national strategy has been developed for small water bodies. Its goal is to gather information about the state of small water bodies and enhance their protection and restoration. The strategy seeks to elevate the status of small water bodies, integrating them into water management planning alongside larger water bodies.

Significance of small water bodies increases as part of watershed management

The overall effort towards more comprehensive water management improves the prospects for small water bodies. The objective is to guide and manage drainage from agriculture and forestry, as well as urban stormwater, in the watershed to maximize overall benefits for residents, industries, and ecosystems. Streams, wetlands, and sedimentation basins are part of the toolkit. This approach also creates new small water bodies.