Heavier rains and aging distribution networks are triggering more cases of public water supply contamination. The local utility takes water from the Esse River for processing and distribution. Because of recent heavy rains and strong runoff, it contains an unusually high level of solid matter.

Nearly 1,000 water damages have been reported following the heavy rainfall night to Sunday.

Helsinki usually gets 70-80 millimetres of rain during August. Friday morning alone brought 56 mm of water to Kaisaniemi Park, where the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) has a weather station.

The highest flood levels in Finland's measurement history are predicted to hit Rovaniemi. The cities of Tornio and Kittilä also expect extensive water damage.