Act No. 9 on the construction and operation of sewerage systems.

Iceland’s Act on the Construction and Operation of Sewerage Systems establishes the legal framework for developing, owning and operating sewerage infrastructure. Its objectives are to define municipal responsibilities, ensure that wastewater systems are constructed and operated so as to minimise adverse environmental impacts, clarify the rights and duties of owners and users, and promote cost-effective sewerage services. Municipalities are responsible for establishing sewerage systems and must operate collective systems in urban areas; in certain less densely populated areas they must also ensure systematic wastewater collection and treatment. Municipalities may operate systems themselves, cooperate with other municipalities, delegate functions to municipally controlled entities or contract out particular services, while private landowners may have responsibilities where no municipal system exists.
The Act regulates connections to sewerage systems, construction and maintenance of pipes, separation of stormwater and sewage, user charges and liability. Property owners are generally responsible for private service pipes, while sewerage operators maintain the main network and connections. Municipalities may levy connection and sewerage fees, including additional charges where unusually polluted wastewater requires special treatment; revenues are intended to cover operating costs, monitoring, financing and planned infrastructure investment. The Act also allows access to land and, where necessary, expropriation for sewerage works, and imposes strict liability on anyone who damages a sewerage system, including through the discharge of harmful substances or objects.