The Human Right to Water in Italy’s Foreign Policy and Domestic Law

The tenth anniversary since the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution recognising the right to water is a good occasion for taking stock of Italy’s efforts in implementing this right. The human rights discourse in water matters has often resonated in civil society’s initiatives in the last decade, so that it cannot be excluded that these stances have influenced the relatively fast evolution of the Italian legislation in this field. Indeed, in the very last years some laws have been passed that require the competent regulatory authority – ARERA – to take into account the basic needs of users in formulating the pricing scheme for what is known as the integrated water service, as well as in putting forth the rules limiting disconnection from the service. The authority, however, has not been the only institutional actor to move in this direction: governmental bodies at any level have done so, from Municipalities to Regions, up to the national legislature. Even though this process has not been devoid of some conflictual aspects, which have also involved the judiciary, something that can be called a “right to water” is definitely taking shape in Italy – as the Country’s domestic legal system and foreign policy seem to witness.