by InTrieste
In a further step toward cross-border cooperation, the Italian utility company AcegasApsAmga and Slovenia’s public water provider Rižanski vodovod Koper have signed a mutual agreement to supply drinking water to one another in the event of emergencies.
The accord is intended to reinforce the security of water supplies in the border region between northeastern Italy and southwestern Slovenia. It allows water flows to be activated in either direction during periods of drought, natural disasters, technical failures or other critical circumstances.
At the center of the initiative is a key infrastructure link between Santa Barbara, in the municipality of Muggia, and Elerji, just outside Koper. The connection was recently upgraded with financial support from the Slovenian government. The improvements make it possible to exchange water reliably in both directions, creating a safeguard for communities on either side of the border.
The agreement establishes technical and quality standards consistent with European and national regulations. Officials emphasized that the arrangement is not commercial in nature but is aimed exclusively at ensuring continuity and quality of service in times of need.
Carlo Andriolo, chief executive of AcegasApsAmga, described the accord as “a significant milestone” in the shared management of water resources. Martin Pregelj, director of Rižanski vodovod Koper, said the upgraded connection would enable a more effective response to emergencies while strengthening a longstanding partnership between the two utilities.
