Coastal seawater monitoring
The main sources of coastal seawater pollution in Reykjavík are runoff/overflows from pumping stations, incorrect connections of wastewater pipes, natural origins - birds and animals, and the discharge of wastewater from ships and small boats.
Regular monitoring
Since April 2003, the microbiological quality of coastal seawater in Reykjavík has been monitored. Samples are taken at 12 sites along the coastline, with monitoring taking place from April to October each year. Reykjavík Public Health and Reykjavík Energy also monitor the dilution areas of the wastewater treatment plants.
Results
Monthly measurement results and annual summaries
Monitoring reports
Priority substance sampling results
Regulatory framework
Reykjavík Public Health regularly monitors the city's coastal seawater, as one of the roles of the Public Health Committee is to ensure that the provisions of Regulation No. 796/1999 on Water Pollution Prevention and Regulation No. 798/1999 on Sewers and Sewage are enforced.
Monitoring factors (according to Reg. 796/1999) and criteria
Monitored factors include: temperature, coliforms/enterococci. According to Regulation No. 796/1999 for Microbial Contamination, it is considered acceptable if waters fall into Category I-II (view more about environmental limits for different substances in the annex to Regulation No. 796/1999).
Reykjavík Public Health
Inquiries and/or suggestions
- Email: heilbrigdiseftirlit@reykjavik.is
- Borgartún 12, 105 Reykjavík
- Phone 411 1111