Inlandsvattnen

Inlandsvatten is a term used in geography and environmental policy to describe bodies of water that are contained within a country’s land boundaries and are not part of the open sea. The plural form inlandsvattnen refers to multiple such water bodies. The concept covers lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands, and it is commonly used to distinguish these freshwater or near‑freshwater systems from coastal and marine waters.

Inlandsvattnen encompass a wide range of aquatic environments. They are primarily freshwater but can include transitional or brackish areas near coastlines in some classifications. The health and management of inland waters depend on factors such as rainfall, groundwater inputs, watershed land use, and anthropogenic pressures like pollution, nutrient runoff, and water withdrawals. Their ecological value includes habitats for diverse plants and animals, as well as provisioning of drinking water, irrigation, fisheries, and recreational opportunities.

Management of inlandvattnen falls under national authorities and is often coordinated with regional water plans. In many regions, it is guided by environmental legislation and international frameworks such as the European Union’s Water Framework Directive, which aims to achieve good ecological and chemical status for inland waters. Practical approaches include monitoring water quality, restoring habitats, reducing pollution, and improving water efficiency.

Examples of notable inland waters include the Swedish lakes Vänern and Vättern and the Mälaren system, along with major rivers such as the Dalälven and Klarälven. These inland waters play significant roles in ecology, economy, and daily life within their respective regions.