Founding of the Reykjavik Water Utility
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Uphaf vatnsveitu
(English panel:)On 16 June 1909, the Reykjavik Water Utility was founded when fresh, drinking water was conveyed through a pipeline from a river and cold springs on the outskirts of Reykjavik to the town center. It was a defining moment in the city's history, as people were no longer dependent on sparse, poor-quality water that came from local wells.
Reykjavík Mayor Knud Zimsen, who was instrumental in driving the project forward, stood at this street cor-ner when the first hydrant was turned on, and thus the Water Utility was formally operational. As a result, public health and hygiene improved dramatically, fire safety was enhanced and new industries were born.
(Icelandic panel:)
Knud Zimsen, einn helsti hvatamaður að gerð vatnsveitunnar og siðar borgarstjóri Reykjavikur, stóð á þessu horni þegar skrúfað var frá fyrsta brunahananum. Með þvi má segja að vatnsveitan hafi formlega tekia til starfa. Með tilkomu hennar stórbatnaði heilsufar Reykvíkinga, þrifnaður jókst, brunavarnir efidust og nýjar atvinnugreinar komu til sögunnar.
Erected by Orkuveita
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is June 16, 1909.
Location. 64° 8.726′ N, 21° 55.638′ W. Marker is in Reykjavík, Capital Region (Höfuðborgarsvæðið), in Reykjavíkurborg. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of Laugavegur and Vatnsstígur, on the right when traveling west on Laugavegur. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Laugavegur 31, Reykjavík, Capital Region 101, Iceland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, in the Nordic Countries, in the Schengen Area, in the Western Hemisphere, and in the Western World.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hverfisgata 45 (within shouting distance of this marker); Laugavegur 15 (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Skólavörðustígur 13 (about 180 meters away); Franski Spítalinn / The French Hospital (about 180 meters away); Skólavörðustígur 11 (about 180 meters away); Tobbukot (about 180 meters
Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 295 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
