About a quarter of Tampere's area is waterways. The good chemical and ecological condition of water bodies is a prerequisite for them to function as high-quality habitats for diverse aquatic and shore species. The state of water bodies is significantly affected by, among other things, the measures taken in their catchment areas. There are a total of 62 lakes and 169 ponds in the Tampere region, and their ecological condition is mainly good or excellent. The classification of the natural state of shores and flowing waters has been carried out in the inner city and in the Nurmi-Sorila area. About half of the shores classified according to their natural state are either deteriorated or completely altered due to, for example, settlements, beaches, and marinas. About 15 per cent of the classified channels are in their natural state, similar to their natural state, or have been restored – the rest have been modified or piped to varying degrees. For example, perhaps the most familiar of the flowing waters, the Tammerkoski rapids, has been dammed, and the Sorilanjoki River is burdened by the surrounding agricultural areas, among other things. A total of 203 springs have been identified in the Tampere region, of which a little less than half are in their natural state or similar to their natural state.
Most of the small water bodies in Southern Finland (brooks, rivulets, springs, and small ponds) belong to endangered habitat types. For example, there are also urban streams in Tampere whose condition has deteriorated. The knowledge base on the natural state of small water bodies in the inner city area is good, but in Teisko in northern Tampere, the information needs to be updated. It is important to collect information on small water bodies and their status, because in principle, small water bodies in their natural state and those in similar state to their natural state are protected under various laws, and their natural state must not be endangered. Small water bodies form important ecological corridors for urban areas and facilitate the management of flood waters, which emphasises their importance for both nature and people.
Other benefits
- Recreation: The waterways offer opportunities for a wide range of nature recreation, such as swimming, boating, canoeing, and fishing.
- Ecosystem services: Important ecosystem services provided by water bodies include water quality regulation, flood prevention, water resource maintenance, nutrient retention, and clean drinking water.
- Adaptation to climate change: Water bodies that are easily accessible provide a cooler environment during hot seasons and thus help adapt to climate change. Wetlands and depressions retain and filter stormwater, which prevents flooding and improves water quality downstream.
- Carbon sinks: Water bodies and their surroundings, such as peatlands, bind carbon and thus mitigate climate change.
- Well-being: Spending time in nature and being close to a body of water reduces stress and improves mental health.
- Attractiveness of the city: The waterways in good condition attract tourists.
