The Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate has presented draft legislation on water management for public consultation, constituting a comprehensive revision of the current legal framework in this field. The draft bill is available in the Icelandic Government’s consultation portal, and comments may be submitted until 26 January 2026.
The objective of the proposed legislation is to ensure comprehensive protection of water resources and aquatic ecosystems, including both surface water and groundwater, while promoting the sustainable and long-term use of water resources. The bill aims to prevent the deterioration of the status of aquatic ecosystems and to improve their condition where necessary.
The proposal places emphasis on clearer environmental objectives, strengthened procedural rules, and a more clearly defined division of responsibilities among public authorities. Under the draft legislation, the Environment and Energy Agency is assigned a central role in implementation, including the preparation of water management plans as well as action and monitoring programmes, in close consultation with public institutions, stakeholders, and civil society organisations.
Hydros ehf. encourages all relevant stakeholders to review the draft legislation and participate in the consultation process, as the proposed framework will have implications for the future management and use of water resources in Iceland.
Further information and access to the consultation documents are available via the Government Consultation Portal:
https://island.is/samradsgatt/mal/4139
