Drinking water: EU warns Italy, “We are monitoring implementation of rules and are ready to take action”

Brussels – “The Commission is monitoring the implementation of the Drinking Water Directive in Italy and will not hesitate to take action if evidence of systematic non-compliance emerges.” Through the Commissioner for the Environment, Jessika Roswall, Brussels warns Rome and Giorgia Meloni’s government: on water management and compliance with drinking water rules, effective from January 2023, it is ready to initiate new procedures and referrals. A warning that sounds like an invitation to do things properly. 

It is a parliamentary question submitted by representatives of the Five Star Movement Valentina Palmisano and Danilo Della Valle that brings Italy back into the spotlight. The Five Star Movement denounces irregularities in the Avellino area, but Roswall responds that, at present, the European Commission “has not received any formal reports of violations of the Drinking Water Directive”  in the area. This does not detract from the fact that the country has a history of delays in implementing the rules, and for this reason, Brussels will continue to keep up the pressure. 

“It is up to the Italian authorities to ensure compliance with EU law, monitor water quality and, if necessary, take appropriate corrective measures,” Roswall continues. Translated: the Commission “expects the competent national authorities to fulfil these obligations and that the populations concerned are protected and informed.” 

The Drinking Water Directive obliges all EU Member States to ensure, first and foremost, that tap water is safe and clean. In addition, the same legislation sets a limit of 10 micrograms per litre for tetrachloroethylene (an organic solvent harmful to human health and classified as potentially carcinogenic, ed.) and requires Member States to maintain and improve access to drinking water, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups.