MILAN – Mayor, Beppe Sala, ordered the closure of all fountains in the city on Saturday after the state of emergency declared by Lombardy, in force until Sept 30 due to the “serious water deficit” in the region. 

 Over 100 public fountains will be turned off and only ones that host fish or plant-life, as well as drinking fountains will be left on. 

 In an attempt to curb non-essential water use, the measures also set to turn off irrigation systems on public lawns and green spaces, except for newly planted trees. 

 Beppe Sala called on citizens to “minimise the use of drinking water both for domestic use and to irrigate lawns, private gardens and courtyards.” The measures also recommend keeping the temperature of air conditioning in offices, shops, and homes at 26 degrees to reduce energy consumption and the risk of blackouts.

 The decree and measures come after widespread alarm, as northern Italy suffers its worst drought in 70 years.

 “The drought emergency persists, and action must be taken,” declared Beppe Sala. 

al