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Deep Groundwater Project
Deep Groundwater Project
Deep Groundwater Project
Deep Groundwater Project

Kurikka's Deep Groundwater Project

Kurikka’s deep groundwater project aims to sustainably and environmentally utilize the deep groundwater resources in the Kurikka area. The project’s goal is to ensure the supply of high-quality drinking water for the local population while also promoting the region’s economic development.

The project employs modern technologies and systems in the protection and utilization of the groundwater. Additionally, the project serves as a significant employer in the area, creating new jobs and fostering local community cohesion.

Water for people, agriculture and industry

Beneath Kurikka lies a true treasure, a water reserve capable of securing the water needs of the area’s inhabitants, agriculture, and industry. Estimates suggest that the water supply could meet the needs of up to 150,000 people!

Research into the deep groundwater began over a decade ago when geological studies revealed significant layers of sand and gravel that store this valuable water. Pressurized groundwater was first detected as early as the 1940s.

Niko Putkinen (GTK) and Juha Kotiranta (Kurikan Vesihuolto Oy) watching water being pumped in 2017. Photo by Pentti Yli-Karjanmaa.

Timeline of the project

2008-2010
Ground water research begins

Geological structural studies were conducted in the Aronlähde groundwater area, where researchers encountered thick layers of sand and gravel separated by moraine layers, located deep in a depression in the bedrock.

2010-2012
The discovery of the deep groundwater deposit

The structural study of Kuusistonloukko and the formation of the first artesian well. The well was formed when drilling hit thick layers of sand and gravel located deep in a valley in the bedrock, causing pressurized groundwater to burst to the surface.

2013
The creation of a 3D structural model of the soil in the Kuusistonloukko area
2014
Collaboration with the city of Vaasa began

The research expanded from the Kuusistonloukko area to the entire surrounding region.

2015-2016
Mapping the soil structure in the Paloluoma and Häjynluoma areas

Additionally, the groundwater resource was determined through test pumpings that lasted for 3 months.

2017-2018
Mapping the soil structure in the area between Mietaankylä, Kärpäskylä, and Krekolanmaa.

Additionally, the groundwater resource was determined through test pumpings that lasted for 3 months.

2019-2020
Researching the soil structure of the entire study area.

Research of the soil structure and groundwater behavior across the entire study area. Along Paloluoma, the study began to examine the structure of the bedrock, its fractures, and the movement of groundwater through rock fissures.

2021-2022
Research in the western area of the Kyrönjoki River

Research of bedrock groundwater movements, structure, and fracturing in the western area of the Kyrönjoki River. At the same time, detailed soil structure studies are ongoing across the entire study area. Additionally, extensive research into groundwater geochemistry and isotopic composition has begun. Furthermore, work related to the EIA baseline study is underway throughout the entire study area.

2023-2024
Test pumping in the Kyrönjoki River area

Three-month-long test pumpings begins in the Kyrönjoki River area, from Mietaala to Harjankylä and the village of Viitala. A comprehensive 3D structural model of the soil in the study area will be created, and extensive groundwater chemistry studies will be conducted. The structure, fracturing and groundwater movements in bedrock fissures between Pitkämö and the Kyrönjoki River will be researched. The development of a numerical groundwater flow model began in the fall of 2023.

2008-2010
Ground water research begins

Geological structural studies were conducted in the Aronlähde groundwater area, where researchers encountered thick layers of sand and gravel separated by moraine layers, located deep in a depression in the bedrock.

2010-2012
The discovery of the deep groundwater deposit

The structural study of Kuusistonloukko and the formation of the first artesian well. The well was formed when drilling hit thick layers of sand and gravel located deep in a valley in the bedrock, causing pressurized groundwater to burst to the surface.

2013
The creation of a 3D structural model of the soil in the Kuusistonloukko area
2014
Collaboration with the city of Vaasa began

The research expanded from the Kuusistonloukko area to the entire surrounding region.

2015-2016
Mapping the soil structure in the Paloluoma and Häjynluoma areas

Additionally, the groundwater resource was determined through test pumpings that lasted for 3 months.

2017-2018
Mapping the soil structure in the area between Mietaankylä, Kärpäskylä, and Krekolanmaa.

Additionally, the groundwater resource was determined through test pumpings that lasted for 3 months.

2019-2020
Researching the soil structure of the entire study area.

Research of the soil structure and groundwater behavior across the entire study area. Along Paloluoma, the study began to examine the structure of the bedrock, its fractures, and the movement of groundwater through rock fissures.

2021-2022
Research in the western area of the Kyrönjoki River

Research of bedrock groundwater movements, structure, and fracturing in the western area of the Kyrönjoki River. At the same time, detailed soil structure studies are ongoing across the entire study area. Additionally, extensive research into groundwater geochemistry and isotopic composition has begun. Furthermore, work related to the EIA baseline study is underway throughout the entire study area.

2023-2024
Test pumping in the Kyrönjoki River area

Three-month-long test pumpings begins in the Kyrönjoki River area, from Mietaala to Harjankylä and the village of Viitala. A comprehensive 3D structural model of the soil in the study area will be created, and extensive groundwater chemistry studies will be conducted. The structure, fracturing and groundwater movements in bedrock fissures between Pitkämö and the Kyrönjoki River will be researched. The development of a numerical groundwater flow model began in the fall of 2023.

Future of the project

In the future, the project aims to maintain efficient and sustainable use of groundwater resources through the latest technological innovations. The long-term goals of the project include expanding water distribution to nearby municipalities, such as Vaasa.

Additionally, the project seeks to establish a strong collaboration network with various stakeholders, including researchers and other entities, to develop more innovative solutions for water treatment and environmental protection. The vision of the Kurikka Deep Groundwater Project is to be a leader in sustainable and responsible water use, while providing significant economic and social benefits to the local community.

Tiekyltti Kurikassa
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