The increasing level of liberalization of the water sector in Italy: a look at the recent legal developments on the awarding of water services in Italy

Agricultural use accounts for 50% of the total water consumption in Italy, while domestic and industrial use account each for 20%. The remaining 10% is used for electricity production. Available water resources in the Italian territory amount to approximately 52 billion cubic meters annually. Water resources are spread unequally over the national territory, with 65% of available resources located in the northern regions of Italy, 15% in the central portion of Italy and 20% in the southern regions of Italy and in the islands. Approximately 25% of supplies are drawn from underground wells. The remainder is drawn from surface water. The provision of water services, which include collection, distribution and supply of water, sewage and water depuration, is still highly fragmented in Italy.