Hot water shut off in large area from August 19

Aerial view of Breiðholt, with the city and sunset in the background

Hot water will be shut off in Breiðholt, Norðlingaholt, Kópavogur, Garðabær, Hafnarfjörður, and Álftanes from 10pm Monday, August 19 until noon Wednesday, August 21.

The southern main pipeline (Suðuræð), which supplies hot water from geothermal plants to much of the capital area, will be closed.



The first phase of Suðuræð 2 is being connected to the distribution system, requiring the hot water to be turned off. This affects a large area significantly. The time and opportunity will be used efficiently, addressing other urgent tasks simultaneously.

Graphic map of the capital area. Red-colored areas in Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Breiðholt and other locations showing areas without hot water in August 2024.

The shutdown impacts a large part of the capital area.

Naturally, this inconveniences residents and businesses. The shutdown is scheduled when hot water use is lowest. Connecting main pipelines is a large, time-consuming task, but efforts will be made to complete it quickly and safely.

Work to empty Suðuræð of hot water begins Monday evening, August 19, to connect the new piping. Emptying takes several hours, then work begins at five different system locations. Equipment will be added, operational safety of new neighborhoods improved, and necessary preventive maintenance performed. The main task is connecting Suðuræð 2. Afterward, hot water will be slowly and safely resupply to the system.

Areas without hot water include all of Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Álftanes, Kópavogur (except Lundur), Norðlingaholt, Breiðholt, Almannadalur, and Hólmsheiði.

If all goes to plan, the system should reach full pressure by noon Wednesday, August 21.

The goal is to increase the heating utility's capacity, ensuring all area residents have necessary infrastructure and future quality of life.

Progress updates in Icelandic will be available here during the work.

Information in English.

Guidelines for homeowners from the Association of Plumbing Masters.