New rules for drinking water

With Legislative Decree No. 18 of February 23, 2023 (Official Gazette General Series No. 55 of March 6, 2023), Italy implements Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and Council on the quality of water intended for human consumption.

The aim of the Decree is to protect “human health from the adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and clean,” while also improving “access to such water.”

The text sets hygiene parameters for materials in contact with drinking water, chemical reagents, and filtering materials. It promotes more effective risk assessment and management methods, and introduces new rules on communication between authorities, suppliers, and the public.

New responsibilities for managers and operators

The new rules apply to drinking water suppliers as well as bottlers and distributors, and also cover bars, restaurants, and canteens. In these cases, water must be considered food under Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002.

The Decree introduces the role of the “internal water distribution manager,” responsible for the water system inside public and private premises, from the point of supply to the tap. They must ensure that the parameters respected at the source are maintained up to the final user, with penalties ranging from €5,000 to €30,000 in case of non-compliance.

Articles 10 and 11 set minimum hygiene requirements for materials in contact with drinking water and for chemical reagents and filtering materials (Remaf). The Decree also addresses structural issues such as water loss and difficulties in access to drinking water in certain parts of Italy.

Censia, Antea and new monitoring tools

The Decree establishes the National Center for Water Safety (Censia), divided into four areas: microbiological/virological risk, chemical risk, data management, and water safety plan assessment.

Within a year, the Dynamic Territorial Register of Drinking Water (Antea) will also be set up, collecting data on water access, monitoring, risk management, authorizations, controls, and incidents. It will also include monitoring of internal networks and the replacement of lead components.

Article 20 further calls for the creation of the National Commission for the Surveillance of Water Safety Plans, with responsibilities for guidance, approving guidelines, and drafting three-year plans.

A programmatic approach to water resources

Legislative Decree 18/2023 is both an implementation of EU law and a programmatic measure: it safeguards the safety of drinking water and promotes its long-term conservation. This is a crucial issue for Italy, which has been facing a real water emergency for twenty years, but also for Europe and the world.

For the food sector, it introduces new obligations that will impact HACCP and staff training. The text is detailed, with numerous legal references, and represents an opportunity to strengthen water sustainability.

GoodFood Consulting Editorial Team

Sources:
Official Gazette
Directive (EU) 2020/2184