The City of Reykjavík will assemble a task force to explore the possibility of utilizing excess hot water to create geothermal beaches at two locations in the city, RÚV reports.
Reykjavík currently has one geothermal beach, located at Nauthólsvík. Hot water is pumped into a man-made lagoon, where it mixes with seawater to create a swimming area between 15-19°C (59-66°F). The beach has changing facilities and showers, as well as steam baths and hot tubs.
A report by Public Utility Company Veitur states that the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station produces much more hot water in the summer than is used and has been disposing of the excess water. It would be possible to channel the water to Gufunes and Skarfaklettur in east Reykjavík to create the beaches.
A announcement from the City of Reykjavík states “Thermal beaches at these new locations would undoubtedly have a positive effect on public health, community life, and tourism.”
