Groundwater eruption continues in Köyliö, Säkylä, causing environmental concerns in Finland

A rare groundwater eruption has been continuing in Köyliö, Säkylä, in Satakunta since March. “A significant amount of groundwater is still emerging. Current estimates indicate that around 6,000 cubic meters of water is discharged daily,” states Maria Mäkinen, senior inspector from the Regional State Administrative Agency of Southwest Finland. This volume could supply nearly 120 people for a whole year, assuming an average daily water consumption of 140 liters per person.

Most of the water flows through installed wells, while some rises directly through the soil. The exact volume of discharged water is challenging to determine, with estimates ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 cubic meters, equating to as much as 500 million liters since March. The water is being channeled to a nearby lake, Köyliönjärvi.

The eruption began in an area where the municipality intended to develop residential plots. A pipe meant to monitor groundwater levels was incorrectly installed too deep, triggering pressurized groundwater to flow to the surface. According to Kuivamäki, a miscommunication led to the oversight. The municipality quickly realized the area was unsuitable for residential construction.

Despite attempts to contain the eruption, it remains unchecked, marking a truly exceptional situation. Previous similar eruptions have typically been resolved quickly. The ongoing discharge poses environmental and financial concerns, with costs likely soaring into hundreds of thousands of euros, while discussions about responsibility are ongoing.

There have been no adverse environmental impacts from the occurrence, as groundwater naturally emerges into the lake. The eruption site could potentially become a new artificial spring, but restoration of the area remains the primary goal.