Founding of the Reykjavik Water Utility
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Uphaf vatnsveitu

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 18, 2018

1. Founding of the Reykjavik Water Utility / Uphaf vatnsveitu Marker - 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:)

Timamót urðu í sögu Reykjavíkur þann sextánda júní árið 1909, þegar Vatnsveita Reykjavíkur tók til starfa. Fersku neysluvatni var þá veitt til bæjarins, fyrst úr Elliðaánum en sfaar frá Gvendarbrunnum. Þar með þurftu bæjarbúar ekki lengur að treysta á óheilnæmt brunnavatnia, sem oft var líka af skornum skammti.

Knud Zimsen, einn helsti hvatamaður að gerð vatnsveitunnar og siðar borgarstjóri Reykjavikur, stóð á þessu horni

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Erected by Orkuveita Reykjavíkur.
 
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

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 18, 2018

2. Founding of the Reykjavik Water Utility / Uphaf vatnsveitu Marker - Icelandic Panel

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 away); Sjúkrahús Hvítabandsins / White Ribbon Hospital (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Laugavegur (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Reykjavík.

 

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 18, 2018

3. Founding of the Reykjavik Water Utility marker - Wide view, looking north on Vatnsstígur

The marker is visible on the left, by the hydrant.

 

 
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 303 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.