WASH in Italy

Italy is generally achieving much success in implementing SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Water and sanitation policy are two of the Italian Cooperation for Sustainable Development's top priorities. Water supply and sanitation in Italy are generally good, with prices that are cheaper than in other European nations with comparable income levels. Most of the water in Italy comes from renewable sources.

The right to clean drinking water and sanitation is enshrined in the legal framework of the European Union and Italy. Specific regulations govern, among other things, quality standards for drinking water and the handling of wastewater for discharge into surface waters, as well as the monitoring of both.

95 % of domestic wastewater is safely handled. 96 % of the Italian population has access to safely managed sanitation services as well as safe and clean drinking water (click here for more information).

Accountability in Italy regarding safe drinking water and sanitation

In the water sector, Italy has a multilevel governance framework that includes public and commercial entities as well as multiple governing levels. In the so-called Galli law, all Italian actors in the drinking water and wastewater sector are designated with tasks, so that there is a clear separation between the provision of services and the activities of public administration.

WASH in Italian foreign development assistance

Italy is committed to WASH projects worldwide, including in the Arab region, as part of its foreign development assistance. In 2019, for example, Italy provided UNICEF with one million euros to implement WASH projects in crisis-stricken Lebanon to ensures access to safe drinking water and healthy environments. With these and other measures and financial support, Italy aims to further underline and expand its commitment to WASH.

Fresh water resources in Italy

Water supply has become an issue in Italy, particularly in the south. Irrigation supply has become more challenging as a result of the current drought and the growth in water demand for the civic sector. Periods of low rainfall pose a serious threat to Italy's agriculture. Reusing wastewater could be an option for meeting a higher water demand. Several wastewater reuse initiatives are currently underway.