The fountains in the Vatican are going off, here's the sad reason why

Italy is suffering from a drought, forcing public water to be turned off across the country

The Vatican has turned off its fountains, all one hundred of them, to show solidarity with Rome and aid in water conservation. Italy is suffering from a severe drought.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Among the Vatican's many attractions are its fountains. Nobody agrees exactly how many fountains there are, but the number is thought to be around a hundred. Yesterday, workers went through the Vatican and shut off all the fountains, including those situated indoors.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told the media that it was the first time anyone present could remember all the fountains being shut off.

The reason for shutting a hundred spigots is a drought that has consumed much of Italy, delivering 72 percent less rain than normal in July and 74 percent less in June. A state of emergency has been declared in northern Italy, and Rome has already switched off its drinking fountains.

The drought began last year, so this is the second year of below-average rainfall for the nation.

There is a possibility that people in Rome will have to ration water to get through the last half of summer. Rome is usually fed water from Lake Bracciano, however falling water levels and a need to manage what's left has resulted in officials shutting off supply.

Officials pray water will return with the fall season, but for now, conservation is essential. Pope Francis has always preached about solidarity, so shutting off the fountains, despite their popularity, is a show of solidarity with the people of Rome.

The fountains will be turned back on when rains come again and Rome is no longer in danger of drought.