Legislative Decree No. 18/2023 concerning the implementation of Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 concerning the quality of water intended for human consumption.

This decree regulates the quality of water intended for human consumption. The objectives of this decree are the protection of human health from the negative effects resulting from the contamination of water intended for human consumption, ensuring that the water is healthy and clean, as well as improving access to water intended for human consumption. The Decree establishes general obligations and minimum requirements for water intended for human consumption; water intended for human consumption must be healthy and clean. Moreover water intended for human consumption to be healthy and clean must meet the following conditions: a) must not contain microorganisms, viruses and parasites, or other substances, in quantities or concentrations that represent a potential danger to human health; (b) must meet the minimum requirements set out in Annex I, Parts A, B and D; c) must comply with the values for additional parameters not reported in Annex I and established pursuant to Article 12, paragraph 13; d) the necessary measures provided for in articles 5 to 15 must be adopted. Art. 5 identify as well distributions points were quality parameters must be respected. Art. 6 to 9 concern risk management. Art. 10 and 11 consider equipment and material used in waterworks. Art. 12-14 concern inspections. Art. 15 regulates water access, the regions and autonomous provinces shall adopt the necessary measures to improve access for all to water intended for human consumption, in particular by ensuring access to vulnerable and marginalized groups, improving access for those who already benefit from it and promoting the use of tap water.