Groundwater sustainability indicators : testing with Finnish data

Abstract

The objective of the study was (1) to test the applicability of the groundwater indicators defined by the UNESCO/IAEA/IAH Working Group on Groundwater Indicators at different scales (national/regional/aquifer) by using the data from Finland, and (2) to assess the availability and suitability of data. The indicators allow for assessment of groundwater abundance in proportion to population and water use, as well as its quality and vulnerability. The data used include groundwater recharge estimates, water use and treatment statistics, extent of classified groundwater areas, hydrogeology and groundwater quality (background, chloride and raw water). The indicators show that Finnish groundwater is generally in good shape and of relatively good quality. The groundwater used is renewable and can theoretically be used on a larger scale and enhanced by artificial recharge. The indicators could be more useful in decision-making if focussed on a smaller area, as the relevant decisions concerning groundwater resources are commonly made locally or regionally. Spatial representativeness of samples and data source selection emerged as key considerations.