A new beach shower rule causes outrage in Italy International analysis: democracies are losing ground

The Italian government has issued new regulations that will apply to all paid beach resorts in the country from summer 2024. The new requirements require operators to offer their guests showers with drinking water. So far, many showers on the 7,173 beaches are only connected to approved water wells, the water quality of which is regularly checked in laboratories.

The new regulations state, among other things:

For operators, this change means one thing above all: higher costs. Because new water pipes now have to be installed on the beaches. Carlo Ricci of the Association of Beach Operators told the Berliner Morgenpost:

Lack of water in tourist places

In addition, it warns of possible supply shortages during the summer season, especially in places with many tourists. According to the trade association Confesercenti, the measure could be especially problematic in communities whose population quadruples in the summer months.

They fear, among other things, a lack of water in hotels and holiday apartments due to excessive drinking water use for beaches. The new shower regulations make no sense, especially in times of water shortage and drought. “You shouldn’t waste drinking water to wash your feet after a beach visit.”Ricci said.

Several lido operators are now defending themselves against the new regulation and have called for it to be lifted. In Tuscany, regional politicians are now calling for a roundtable discussion with local health authorities and spa operators to find common solutions. There is talk of an extended transition period. It is still unclear to what extent the expected high costs for drinking water showers will be passed on to tourists.