Ocean & Water

Water is a precondition for all life on the planet because all life needs water. Water is a key element in the shaping of land and its consumption constitutes a basic need.

Water is involved in all daily life in various forms, from the coffee cup we drink in the morning to the very special Icelandic bathing custom of outdoor swimming pools. We use water in our households, for a variety of industrial activity and production, such as cultivation, agriculture, fish processing and electricity production (hydropower and geothermal projects). We also utilise rivers, lakes and coastlines for outdoor recreation and tourism, and, last but least, we should not forget our excellent drinking water.

In order to protect the value of its water, Iceland has ratified the Water Framework Directive of the European Union which calls for research, surveillance and measures to maintain water quality all the way from mountains to the ocean. 

Related information:

• Guidelines for masters of cruise and passenger ships arriving in Iceland