Press Release n. 6
THE WATER BONUS: 50 LITRES FREE TO DISADVANTAGED HOUSEHOLDS
THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE TARIFFS AND INVESTMENTS AT THE FAIR “H2O 2016”
This morningsaw the opening in Bologna the 13th International Water Exhibition including
over 330 exhibitors, 3 important international conferences and 80 technical conventions
The “water bonus” has arrived, the measure that will enable the free supply of a daily minimum quantity of water to those who find themselves in economic difficulty. The Prime Ministerial Decree, recently published in the Official Gazette, is in the latter stages of becoming legislation and is set to be fully operative in 4-5 months time. This was announced this morning by Carlo Maria Medaglia, head of the technical secretariat of the Ministry of the Environment, at the openingconvention of “H2O 2016” the 13th edition of the International Water Exhibition organized by Bolognafiere that will continue until Friday 21st at the Bologna Exhibition Centre. Those who meet the requisites of the Presidential Decree will be able to enjoy a free supply of 50 litres per day for each member of the household. “The ultimate aim is to support the domestic use of residents in difficulty through appropriate tariff instruments such as the water bonus,” explained Medaglia, “which will provide access to a minimum quantity of water, while also guaranteeing respect for the principle, ‘those who pollute must pay’ and the principle of covering the costs sanctioned by the European Directive for Water. This new measure is a key piece oflegislation for a water policy that is clear and effective.”
The opening convention of the fair “H2O 2016”, organized by LUEL on behalf of BolognaFiere, represented an opportunity to offer an overview of the development of the water tariffs and the investments in the water network. “The water sector is really taking off!” explained Andrea Cirelli, coordinator of the scientific area of H2O. “It is a market in which investments are growing, the technology is developing and the citizens are continuing to demand more services and greater quality. Currently investment is around 2-3 billion euro per year, while this should rise to 60-70 billion in 10 years.” Much finance, however, is on hold and not utilized. “While in the more advanced regions, interventions have already recommenced, in other areas, there are significant difficulties,” admitted Lorenzo Bardelli, director of the Authority for Electric Energy, Gas and the Water System (AEEGSI). “Many billions of euros have been available since 2012 for Sicily and Calabria but the local authorities have not yet managed to launch the contract tenders to begin the projects: this is scandalous!” said ErasmoD’Angelis, coordinator of the Structure of the Mission against water instability and for the development of the water infrastructure.
“H2O 2016” was developed into three themed pathways: “H2O Urban” relating to water for supply, processing and sewage for civil use, “H2O Industry” for the management of water for Industry; “CH4” for the transport and distribution of natural gas. There was also a section dedicated to training and raising awareness – the “H2O Academy”, with a calendar of 80 high level conventions and meetings and 350 expert speakers from the sector from Italy and abroad: the Conference of the International Water Association (IWA), of the European Water Regulators (WAREG) and of Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN). “H2O 2016” confirmed the growth compared with the last edition: an area of around 15 thousand m2 contained 330 Italian and international exhibitors. The fair is part of the platform SAIE, a network of events (including also Expotunnel, Working Environment, Smart City Conference and SAIE 3) that represents the entire production chain for construction in all of its many areas of specialization. For further information see
Bologna, 21st October2016
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H2O 2016
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Mediarkèsrl
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BolognaFiereSpA
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Gregory Picco
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