Regulation of Water Services in Slovenia

Abstract

Water is a natural resource of paramount importance for human life and other living beings. Owing to its status as a common good, water is exempt from the concept of private property. The right to clean drinking water has been recognised as a fundamental human right, serving as the foundation for the enjoyment of all other human rights. In Slovenia, the right to drinking water is enshrined in its Constitution. This study examines the provision of drinking water in Slovenia. In Slovenia, the supply of drinking water is organised as a mandatory local economic public service and municipalities are responsible for ensuring the supply of drinking water to residents within the framework of local economic public services. Numerous laws govern this area, and compliance with these laws is mandatory. Crucial to ensuring the delivery of clean drinking water to individuals is the presence of appropriate infrastructure that facilitates the provision of high-quality drinking water services. Despite water being a public good, its supply is not cost-free. Therefore, this study discusses the financing of the drinking water supply system and the allocation of these financial resources. Individuals who are consumers of drinking water services are required to pay for this service. In cases where individuals fail to settle the costs associated with drinking water supply, various sanctions may be imposed, including, as a last resort, the discontinuation of water supply in cases of non-payment.