Water safety

In the absence of clean water, infectious diseases threaten our health through contaminated water. The greatest risk to water safety is if drinking water is contaminated with sewage. Runoff containing animal faeces may also carry pathogenic microbes that pose a threat to water safety. Waterborne infections are also caused by opportunistic environmental bacteria living in aquatic environments.

All living organisms need water to maintain their vital functions, while access to clean water is a human right. In human communities, clean water is important also for recreational use. However, the availability of clean water is not a given. Rather, it requires continual anticipation even in Finland and other countries with an advanced water supply and well-functioning sanitation.

Research-based knowledge and effective measures for water quality assurance are key to ensuring water security. In our research projects, we are investigating the pollutant sources associated with water resources and developing special analytics needed to establish the chain of events related to water pollution incidents.