EU warns Italian Government over drinking water contamination

The European Commission will go ahead with infringement proceedings against Italy, as the government has failed to ensure that water intended for human consumption meets European standards.

According to the EU, water contamination from arsenic and fluoride is a long-standing problem in the country, specifically for the Latium region.

Italy has failed to improve its drinking water quality, leaving people exposed to health risks from high levels of arsenic and fluoride.

The Drinking Water Directive requires member states to monitor and test water used for human consumption using 48 microbiological, chemical and indicator parameters. It allows for a total of three derogations, each of which is limited to three years.

Member states have an option to derogate twice and may apply to the commission for a third derogation in exceptional cases. The EU noted that no further derogations are possible for Italy, which has derogated three times already. During the derogation period, durable solutions are supposed to be found. However, Italy remains in breach of the directive, more than one year after the expiry of the third derogation.

Italy was asked to ensure that wholesome supplies of water were available for consumption by children up to the age of three. It was also required to implement a plan of remedial actions and inform the commission on progress achieved.

As part of the initial formal stage in infringement proceedings, a letter of formal notice will be sent to Italy on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik.

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Image: Italy failed to improve its drinking water quality. Photo: courtesy of Simon Howden/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.