costs skyrocket –

The constant increase in water bills continues to put Italian families under pressure, with an average expenditure that in 2023 reached 478 euros, recording an increase of 4% compared to the previous year and even of 17.7% in the last five years. These data emerge from the XIX Report on the integrated water service, presented by the Cittadinanzattiva Price and Tariff Observatory on the occasion of World Water Day on 22 March. The increase in costs was reflected in over two thirds of Italian provincial capitals. Among the cities, Vibo Valentia marked the greatest increase, with around 16%, while in Isernia the bill even doubled compared to 2019. Frosinone is confirmed as the most expensive province, with an average annual expense of 867 euros, while Milan and Cosenza appear to be the most convenient capitals, with 184 euros.

Tuscany is positioned as the most expensive region, with an average expense of 732 euros, while Molise is the cheapest, with 226 euros. However, there are notable differences in spending even within the same regions. The Report highlights, for example, that in Lazio the cost difference between Frosinone and Rieti is 475 euros. The Report also highlights a disparity between the consumption declared by citizens and that indicated by Istat, with an average of 62 liters of water used daily compared to the approximately 215 liters per day calculated by the national statistical institute.

Despite citizens’ awareness of their consumption, information on saving opportunities remains scarce. According to the Report, adopting more efficient behaviors might lead to significant savings. For example, a family that reduced its annual consumption to 150 cubic meters might save on average 101 euros, equal to 27%. Social water bonuses also offer relief to low-income families. According to the Observatory’s analyses, a family of three with an ISEE of up to 9,530 euros and who benefits from the social water bonus saves around 104 euros per year, corresponding to 22% or 27% depending on annual consumption.