What changes for the market and what are the operational impacts
With Decree No. 219 of 26 November 2025, which entered into force in January 2026, the regulatory framework governing metrological controls of water meters has been substantially updated, introducing a simplification that will have concrete effects across the entire market.
The decree amends Ministerial Decree No. 93 of 21 April 2017 and establishes a single verification interval of 13 years for all water meters, regardless of the technology used. The new rule applies not only to newly installed meters, but also to those already in service or already placed on the market.
The previous distinction between technologies—particularly favouring static meters—risked conflicting with the EU principle of technological neutrality, given the lack of real and proven technical evidence capable of justifying such a differentiation.
From an operational perspective, the first impact is a reduction in regulatory complexity. The elimination of distinctions between mechanical, static and venturi-type water meters allows operators and utilities to work within a clearer and more uniform regulatory framework, simplifying the planning of verification activities and reducing the risk of inconsistent interpretations.
A single verification deadline makes the management of the meter fleet more straightforward and facilitates coordination among operators, suppliers and inspection bodies.
The extension of the verification interval also has a direct impact on asset management strategies. With longer cycles, planning can no longer rely solely on regulatory deadlines, but requires greater attention to long-term metrological quality, performance stability and data reliability throughout the entire life cycle of the water meter.
In this context, the ability to maintain consistent performance over time becomes a key factor in ensuring operational continuity and service quality.
From a cost perspective, the new framework may translate into a reduction in operational burdens related to periodic verifications, with fewer field interventions and a more efficient use of resources. However, this benefit is real only if supported by measuring instruments designed to last over time and to ensure accuracy and reliability even across longer time horizons.
Another relevant effect concerns the positioning of technologies in the market. As regulatory differences between the various solutions are removed, competitive value increasingly shifts from the type of meter to the overall quality of the measurement system.
Stability, robustness, data protection and the ability to support advanced network management become distinguishing factors, in a context where measurement is increasingly a strategic tool for operational efficiency and water resource management.
Finally, the extension of verification cycles also fits coherently within a sustainability perspective. Fewer replacements and fewer interventions mean a reduction in environmental impact, greater process efficiency and more responsible infrastructure management. In this sense, the decree represents not only a technical update, but a step towards a more rational, long-term-oriented management model.
For the market—and for companies like Maddalena operating along the water metering value chain—the new regulatory framework therefore represents an opportunity to rethink the value of the water meter not as a simple device, but as a strategic asset, capable of combining reliability, efficiency and sustainability over time.
