Abstract

Implementation of local public services' reform is generally a complex issue. A main reason is that the economical, technical and socio-political aspects of public services must be taken in consideration at the same time, particularly in the case of water management. The juridical and economic frame adopted by the majority of the national policymakers, academics and experts analyzing the reform focuses on the institutional dimensions of the management and on the connection between local utilities and local governments. While this approach underlines the role of regulation and formal ownership of the utilities, it seldom delves into the political dynamics related to the local implementation of the reform. The article proposes to look instead at those dynamics in order to overcome the present impasse of the reform. Trough the case studies of Roma, Caltanissetta e Lodi there will be shown the advantages of a decentred approach, focusing on the local actors initiatives and projects connected to the reorganization of the water sector.