Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi on Friday
demanded that central government intervene and call a state of
emergency to avert the threat of water being rationed in Rome
because of the drought emergency.
"It is intolerable that Rome should be deprived of water,"
said Raggi, a member of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement
(M5S).
"It would do enormous harm to the citizens, to economic and
retail businesses and damage Italy's image.
"I'm worried, above all, about the supply of water to
hospitals and firefighters, which is of fundamental importance
at the moment.
"The government should intervene with the instruments it has
at its disposal".
Water utility ACEA has said it may have to introduce water
rationing in Rome after the Lazio region told it to stop taking
water from the nearby Lake Bracciano, the level of which has
fallen significantly due to the drought.
Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin has warned it could impact
hygiene and health services.
The Vatican turned off its fountains earlier this week due to
the drought, which has affected most of the country.
Farmers' association Coldiretti has estimated that the
drought has cost Italian agriculture over two billion euros.
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