Italy: Potential water rationing announced in Rome starting July 28

Event

Roman officials announced new potential water rationing measures on Monday, July 24. According to media reports, around 1.5 million residents in the Lazio region of Rome would be affected by the rationing if implemented as planned, which would limit water access to no more than eight hours a day in alternating neighborhoods starting on Friday, July 28. Water to the city fountains may also be cut off as part of the rationing.

In an unprecedented related move, Pope Francis shut off all Vatican fountains on Monday, July 24.

Context

Italy is currently experiencing a severe drought. The governor of Lazio, Nicola Zingaretti, has banned water suppliers from drawing any more water from Lake Bracciano, located about 40 km (25 mi) from the capital city, as of July 28. Lake Bracciano provides around 8 percent of Rome’s water supply.

The agricultural sector is said to have been severely impacted, with some 60% of farmland under threat. The drought has reportedly cost the industry some two billion dollars.

Advice

Individuals present in Rome are advised to be prepared for water shortages (stock up on bottled water), to follow any water conservation instructions issued by local authorities, and to keep abreast of the situation.