Italy urged to ensure that drinking water meets European quality standards

The European Commission is opening infringement proceedings against Italy for its failure to ensure that drinking water meets European standards. Water contamination from arsenic and fluoride is a long-standing problem in Italy, and for the Latium Region in particular.

Under the Drinking Water Directive, Member States have to monitor and test water used for human consumption. If high levels of arsenic or other pollutants are found, Member States may derogate from the thresholds for a limited period of time, provided there is no potential danger to human health, and provided the supply for human consumption cannot be maintained by any other reasonable means.

No more derogations

The Directive allows for a total of three derogations, each limited to three years. Member States may derogate twice and, in exceptional cases, they may apply to the Commission for a third derogation. Italy has now derogated three times, and no further derogations are possible. Derogation decisions set strict conditions to safeguard human health.

Children

Italy was asked to ensure that wholesome supplies of water were available for consumption by infants and children up to the age of three. The derogations were conditional on Italy supplying users with adequate information on how to reduce the risks of the consumption of the drinking water in question and, in particular, the risks associated with the consumption of water by children. Italy was also required to implement a plan of remedial actions and inform the European Commission on progress achieved.

Infringement letter

The limit value for arsenic and fluoride is still not respected in 37 water supply zones in Latium (Lazio), a region in central western Italy. The European Commission has sent a letter of formal notice to Italy, the first formal stage in infringement proceedings.