Italian officials OK deal to avoid water rationing in Rome

Milan: Italian authorities have reached a deal to avoid the immediate threat of water rationing in Rome, the capital.

The governor of the Lazio region, which includes Rome, said late Friday he will allow water to be drawn from Lake Bracciano at lesser volumes throughout August. Nicola Zingaretti had previously ordered a halt to drawing water from the lake at midnight Friday.

While the lake supplies only 8 per cent of the capital’s water, the impending cut-off had raised pressure on officials to find alternatives under the threat of severe water rations in Rome.

Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi demanded an immediate intervention as the deadline neared.