Order restricts drinkable water being used in Rome gardens and swimming pools.

Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi has issued an order requiring the capital's inhabitants to limit the amount of potable water being used to irrigate gardens, fill portable swimming pools and wash cars.

The order, which excludes the use of water for domestic and sanitary purposes, is in response to prolonged drought conditions and reduced water levels at Lake Bracciano, an important source of potable water for the capital.

Water levels at the volcanic lake north of Rome have "decreased greatly" in recent years, according to the city, hampered further by the low rainfall since the autumn, described as well below the seasonal average.

The order will remain in place until September and is in line with measures introduced in other municipal areas of the Lazio region.

Raggi's order also coincides with the Italian government declaring a state of emergency in the northern provinces of Parma and Piacenza due to drought.

There is nothing in the ordinance about Rome's fountains. For the ordinance see Roma Capitale website.

At present there are no details of rationing or suspension of water in the city on the website of the supplier ACEA Ato2.