Water-filled plastic bottles outside Italian homes: Why you should never touch them

While on holiday in Italy, you might notice plastic bottles filled with water placed outside houses. On hot summer days, it might seem like a generous offer of free drinking water for passersby. However, this is not the case. These bottles are not for drinking or even touching.

The practice, common in many Italian towns, is a method to deter stray animals, especially dogs, from urinating on private property. The bottles are believed to confuse the animals, making them hesitant to relieve themselves nearby. The reflection of light and the perceived 'barrier' created by the bottles are thought to be the reasons behind this deterrent effect.

Locals advise against touching or attempting to drink from these bottles. They are purely functional, serving a practical purpose for homeowners. The sight of these water-filled bottles is a unique cultural observation for tourists, highlighting a creative, albeit unusual, solution to a common urban problem.