Tiny European hotspot is forced to turn away tourists after running out of water
A TINY European holiday hotspot has been forced to turn tourists away after running out of water.
Restrictions had to be imposed as supplies in the town – which uses an ancient maze-like aqueduct system – were running low.
In Agrigento, Sicily, water is so scarce that small hotels and guesthouses in the city and nearby coast are being forced to turn tourists away.
They don’t have enough water to guarantee their guests a toilet that flushes or a shower after a day out exploring the island in the summer heat.
Sicily began enforcing water restrictions in February when the region declared a state of emergency due to a severe drought.
Although one of the main attractions of the town is its archaeological structures and relics, the leaky, ageing infrastructure lacks practicality and has worsened the shortages.
The low water supply has hit both the tourism and agriculture industries – which are two key contributors to Sicily’s economy.
Rationing is in place for more than one million people across 93 communities.
Some are having to reduce water consumption by up to 45 per cent.
That means taps stop and start according to schedule, and supply is shut off completely overnight in most places.
Having enough water to drink requires strict organisation during the daytime.
On TripAdvisor and other travel forums, tourists are asking whether it’s worth visiting Sicily’s worst hit areas.
Hotels are warning clients about potential shortages, and are helping visitors rebook elsewhere on the island where restrictions are less severe or not in effect.
CNN reached out to the Sicilian government for a comment on the subject.
In response to the request the Sicilian regional government’s office pointed to a study that outlined government plans to drill new wells, build more pipelines and bring aging desalination plants back online.
The report also says Sicily has not received enough funds from Rome to carry out its plans.