Italian Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin said on Wednesday that the population’s health and hygiene would be at risk if the plan goes ahead.
"An eventual suspension of the supply of water in Rome...could seriously compromise the level of hygiene of all the accommodation structures, restaurants and public offices," Lorenzin said.
"But, above all, it could seriously compromise the provision of essential health services."
ACEA announced the plan after authorities in the Lazio region ordered an end to pumping water out of the nearby Lake Bracciano.
The lake’s water level has dropped significantly due to the drought.
Lorenzin said her ministry was not informed of Lazio authorities’ decision to halt the pumping of water out of Lake Bracciano.
Earlier this week the Vatican turned off its fountains due to the drought, and water has already been rationed in around 20 towns in the province of Rome.
Meanwhile, six Italian regions have presented requests for a state of calamity to be declared to enable special measures to face the drought.
The regions are Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Calabria and Sardinia.
With ANSA
