The Vatican says it is shutting off all its fountains, including those in St. Peter's Square, because of Italy's drought

[1Lord1Faith]

VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican says it is shutting off all its fountains, including those in St. Peter’s Square, because of Italy’s drought.

Vatican Radio on Monday said the decision is linked with Pope Francis’ teachings on the environment. The pope has decried wasteful practices and praised clean drinking water as vital for both people and the environment.

Meteorologists say spring 2017 was Italy’s third-driest in some 60 years. The drought has put Rome at risk for drastic water rationing, a measure being considered later this week by authorities.

Vatican Radio said all of Vatican City’s fountains will go dry, including those in its gardens, to help save water.

Francis laid out his fears for the future of the world’s environment in a 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si’.”

americamagazine.org/politics-society/2017/07/24/no-coins-fountain-vatican-closes-spigot-rome-drought-continues

 

[Crusaderbear]

Good idea! The drought over there is getting very bad.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

It’s a great example of living Care for the planet.

 

[pianistclare]

Excellent news.
Francis practices what he preaches. Wish others would follow his example.

 

[Irishmom2]

But, don’t fountains just recycle the water through the fountains? It’s not like it is actually being lost.

 

[pianistclare]

But, don’t fountains just recycle the water through the fountains? It’s not like it is actually being lost.

In times of drought so much is lost in evaporation. You’d be amazed.

The fountains dancing above Las Vegas’ version of Lake Como consume about 12 million gallons of water a year, according to resort officials.

The Bellagio’s 8.5-acre lake holds 22 million gallons and is replenished annually with another 12 million, representing the amount lost to evaporation, leaky pipes or really thirsty ducks.

Assuming evaporation is responsible for that entire amount, that would break down to 1,200 gallons lost in each of the roughly 10,000-plus fountain shows performed throughout the year.

Of course, these are HUGE and not like the Vatican fountains, but when people are conserving and rationing water, it’s best to err on the side of conservation.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Praying that the Italian people and farmers make it through the drought all right.

 

[Padres1969]

In times of drought so much is lost in evaporation. You’d be amazed.

The fountains dancing above Las Vegas’ version of Lake Como consume about 12 million gallons of water a year, according to resort officials.

The Bellagio’s 8.5-acre lake holds 22 million gallons and is replenished annually with another 12 million, representing the amount lost to evaporation, leaky pipes or really thirsty ducks.

Assuming evaporation is responsible for that entire amount, that would break down to 1,200 gallons lost in each of the roughly 10,000-plus fountain shows performed throughout the year.

Of course, these are HUGE and not like the Vatican fountains, but when people are conserving and rationing water, it’s best to err on the side of conservation.

Given Vegas’ precarious water situation itself, with it really not even being sustainable as it is today… it’s a wonder things like the Bellagio fountains are even allowed to exist.

 

[Crusaderbear]

Also a good chance to inspect, repair, and get all the coins out of them!

 

[GEddie]

But, don’t fountains just recycle the water through the fountains? It’s not like it is actually being lost.

Not all of it cycles. With each pass, some water is evaporated. In dry seasons, it gets worse.

ICXC NIKA

 

[TK421]

This is a good gesture. Thank you for sharing.

From what I understand Europe (along with some other places) has a looming water crisis.

 

[HollyDolly]

My dad was there fighting during WW2 and got to Rome. He spoke about there were a few fountains in Rome which they couldn’t seem to shut off because no one was sure where the water source was coming from.Don’t forget Rome is an ancient city and it still gets water i imagine from the ancient Roman aquaducts.

 

[Joe_5859]

In times of drought so much is lost in evaporation. You’d be amazed.

The fountains dancing above Las Vegas’ version of Lake Como consume about 12 million gallons of water a year, according to resort officials.

The Bellagio’s 8.5-acre lake holds 22 million gallons and is replenished annually with another 12 million, representing the amount lost to evaporation, leaky pipes or really thirsty ducks.

Assuming evaporation is responsible for that entire amount, that would break down to 1,200 gallons lost in each of the roughly 10,000-plus fountain shows performed throughout the year.

Of course, these are HUGE and not like the Vatican fountains, but when people are conserving and rationing water, it’s best to err on the side of conservation.

Interesting. I shared IrishMom’s question, but this makes sense.

The more you know…

 

[GEddie]

My dad was there fighting during WW2 and got to Rome. He spoke about there were a few fountains in Rome which they couldn’t seem to shut off because no one was sure where the water source was coming from.Don’t forget Rome is an ancient city and it still gets water i imagine from the ancient Roman aquaducts.

Some of the acqueducts still run, though not sufficient for modern needs.

I’m sure the Vatican knows how to turn off the fountains. They’d need to just to perform regular maintenance.

ICXC NIKA