Vatnsveitur

Vatnsveitur is a term used in Iceland to refer to water utilities or waterworks—organizations that manage the supply of drinking water and the collection and treatment of wastewater. These entities are typically municipal or regional utilities responsible for operating, maintaining, and developing the water supply networks, water treatment plants, sewer systems, and related infrastructure. They may also handle metering, customer service, and billing for water services.

In Iceland, many towns and municipalities run their own vatnsveitur, while in larger urban areas regional entities provide services across multiple municipalities. The largest metropolitan area is served by Veitur ohf., a regional utility that covers the capital region's water and wastewater networks. Reykjavik's historic waterworks were known as Vatnsveita Reykjavíkur (often shortened to Vatnsveita), a key part of the capital area's water infrastructure and a driver of modernization and expansion of water treatment and distribution.

Regulation and oversight: Water quality and public health standards are enforced by national authorities such as the Directorate of Health and environmental agencies. Utilities must comply with environmental regulations, drinking water standards, and reporting requirements. The sector is characterized by public ownership in many municipalities, with some entities organized as limited companies or municipal corporations.

See also: Veitur, Orkuveita Reykjavíkur, Reykjavik Waterworks, Water in Iceland.