The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry steers the regional Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment and the Finnish Environment Institute in issues concerning the management of water resources. As regards general administration the regional administration is subject to the Ministry of Employment and the Economy. The Finnish Environment Institute is subject to the Ministry of the Environment, which also steers them in water protection tasks.

In the water resources sector the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for

- preparation of State budget and operative and financial planning
- preparing the legislation
- strategic planning of the activity
- EU affairs and international cooperation
- performance guidance of the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment and Finnish Environment Institute

The water resources management issues of the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment cover

- water services
- flood prevention
- dam safety
- regulation of waters
- management and restoration of waters
- ditching operations
- support payments and advisory services

The tasks of the Finnish Environment Institute cover

- research and development serving the use and management of waters
- national monitoring of water resources
- expert services to the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment and the ministries