The lake and river systems of Finland have been used by humans since the time when the nation was first inhabited. The first patterns of inhabitation moved inland through water routes, creating settlements on the shores of lakes and rivers. Later, water routes were primarily used to transport wood and lumber. 

Water power was used to produce energy to fulfil the growing need that emerged after the World Wars. During the 1950s and the 1960s, over 90 % of the total Finnish electricity production depended on water, whereas nowadays it covers only 10–20 % of the current energy usage.

Water from lakes and rivers also has a significant role as water for drinking and domestic use. For example, the water of Lake Päijänne (pictured) is filtered and used to cover some of the water demand of the Greater Helsinki region.

In addition to their economic and domestic uses, the rivers and lakes of Finland also provide many kinds of recreational possibilities.