Every house needs a water supply to provide for the most basic human needs. Italy has a wide network of potable water in all of its households scattered throughout Italy, and it also ranks very high in the potable water index, meaning that individuals can consume tap water with no restrictions.
The Italian water system is very fragmented and the water supply entities vary greatly depending on the area in which you reside, in fact there is a mixed system of private and public companies (sometimes also mixed!) as well as the local Municipality (Comune) can be in charge of the water supply.
This system makes it difficult to recap all the information related to the water supply in a single article, however we can provide you with the key points to disentangle any issue relating to your water supply.
Water supply activation
Every home is connected to the water supply and in your home (or in the near proximity) there is a meter counter connected to the water system. Normally this is located in the basement, or under sink, while in certain house complexes it is located outside the property in a communal area.
The meter is normally blue with a shell cap, once you flip the cap you can see the clock face showing 4 numbers, these numbers identify the cubic meters consumed. Above the numbers (or in the bottom part of the clock face) you can find the meter number.
In order to supply the water, your property needs to have the so called abilità, which is the certification provided by the local Comune stating that the house is habitable and it can be connected to the water system.
Water supply contract in Italy
Upon having your water supply activated, you can sign a contract with the water supplier available in your area. You need to do some research regarding the company or the Comune who can deliver the water supply service.
Normally you can sign the contract remotely, via phone or via email, however sometimes you are required to fill the forms in person and complete the registration by providing the following information:
- Personal details (full name, date and place of birth)
- Codice Fiscale
- Meter number
- Current meter reading (lettura del contatore)
- Billing address
- Property cadastral information
- Title of property occupation (ownership, lease, gratuitous use etc.)
If you live in a condominium, it is likely that the contract is
Water supply activation costs
The fixed costs associated with the water supply vary greatly depending on the company administering the service. However we can recap the main water activation costs here:
- € 27.82 of administrative fees
- € 60.00 for the supply activation
- € 16.00 stamp duty
Oftentimes the supplier company requests a deposit to be paid in advance, which will then be refunded at the end of the contract.
Water disconnection
Failure to pay your bills on time can result in the water supply reduction or discontinuation. Prior to stopping the water supply service, the provider needs to notify the user with a raccomandata di messa in mora which can be sent only 30 days after the bill falls due.The raccomandata must include the amount due, the unpaid bill and the new deadline to pay the amount; note that additional interest, and administrative costs can be charged by the supplier. Only after 30 days have lapsed without any action from the user, the provider can reduce the water pressure and discontinue the service.
