Update of the groundwater protection plan and its effects on residents
The protection plan for the groundwater areas of Janakkala will be updated during the year 2025 by Ramboll Finland Oy. The plan will take into account new groundwater classifications, risk factors, and measures to improve the status of groundwater. Risks and measures will be presented in the plan in such a way that individual properties cannot be directly identified. The update will bring many concrete and long-term effects for residents – some will be visible in daily life faster, while others will emerge over time. More specific regulations regarding groundwater protection, considering the area’s special characteristics, will also be indicated in the municipal building code and environmental protection regulations.
The main benefit of updating the protection plan can be seen as ensuring clean drinking water in both water supply systems and domestic wells. The plan helps identify risk factors such as oil or chemical leaks and contaminated soils. Updating the plan increases environmental awareness by highlighting local risk factors. Additionally, it encourages residents to consider groundwater protection in their own activities, such as waste or water management. A property-specific wastewater system located in a groundwater area may pose a risk to groundwater. The renovation of the wastewater system will incur costs for property owners, but it also improves environmental safety and increases the value of the property.
Farms can also play a prominent role in groundwater protection. Stricter restrictions on the use of agricultural chemicals can be imposed in groundwater areas. This means that farmers must plan application rates, timings, and storage more carefully to prevent substances from reaching groundwater. On livestock farms, storage and application of manure require special measures, such as tight containers or buffer zones. Additionally, the construction of new production buildings, tanks, or storage facilities in groundwater areas may require environmental assessments or special permits. As one measure, the municipality will inspect all so-called home use areas located in groundwater areas within the municipality. Many of these may have become contaminated or have other groundwater risk factors over time.
The protection plan will be used as an aid in the municipality’s land use planning and will serve as a tool for authorities in monitoring situations. The plan may restrict construction in certain areas but at the same time ensure that new projects do not jeopardize groundwater. The plan affects where and how construction or economic activities can take place in groundwater areas. This may restrict, for example, industrial activities or require special precautions in construction projects. For instance, the placement of oil tanks and geothermal wells, wastewater treatment, and larger earthworks may be limited in groundwater areas. Activities in accordance with the groundwater protection plan and other environmental responsibilities can be utilized in the marketing of operators. This can positively influence consumers’ and partners’ attitudes.
The steering group participating in the update of the protection plan has met twice. In the third meeting of the steering group on November 4, 2025, the draft of the protection plan with its measures will be discussed, and any agreed additions will be made during the meeting. After this, the plan will be made available for public viewing for the remainder of the year, and feedback will be requested. Residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan during the public display period. At the beginning of the year, the consultant will make any necessary additions to the draft plan, and the work will be completed.