Viterbo declares water non‑potable across half the city amid health emergency

On 4 June 2026 the ASL reported that enterococci levels in the public water supply exceeded legal limits in the Centro 480 network serving Viterbo. The municipal ordinance (No. 21) prohibited drinking the tap water in the affected districts—Cappuccini, Murialdo, Pila, Barco, Grotticella, Mazzetta, Pietrare, Ponte dell’Elce and several streets—allowing use only for domestic hygiene and, after boiling for at least 10‑15 minutes, for food preparation. The water manager, Talete Spa, was ordered to remedy the contamination promptly.

Later the same day, local water‑consumer groups A.Ba.Co. Lazio and the “Noncelabeviamo” committee met the Prefect of Viterbo. They demanded an institutional round‑table with the regional authority, the ATO, Talete and municipal mayors, citing inadequate information to residents and long‑standing service failures. The Prefect pledged to facilitate a dialogue and emphasized the mayor’s role as guarantor of public health, while the committees reiterated that the right to potable water is non‑negotiable.