My grandparents supposedly spoke to someone who had recently returned from Italy, and those individuals mentioned that there was a water shortage in italy?? Does anyone have any information on whether this is true or not?

Yes this is true. A horrendous drought and very high temps. Olives are not looking good for harvest this year, fruits and veg prices are through the roof, etc. etc. Not good at all.

Heard that as well.
Apparently, hotels in Cinque Terre and elsewhere turn off water supply several hours a day/night.
Might be a good idea to fill the bath tub in your room, provided there is any.

Here in Switzerland, we won't be allowed any fires or fire works on our National Day, August 1, if the heat and dry weather continue that way. However, we are having some rain right now, but this might not be enough.

Farmers here are having a tough time and like in Italy, fruit and veggies are becoming very expensive.
Should I switch to ice cream?

Does any one know to what extent Venice has been effected by the drought?

We will be there in mid-August and am a bit concerned.

Venice: water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink! (Sorry, couldn't resist).

There is a real concern about water and there have been rolling blackouts. We heard stories of people being stuck in elevators because you never knew when the power was going out. I can't imagine being stuck in an elevator in the heat we were experiencing. 37/38 c was the norm for us. Never dipped below 95 degrees. It was even too warm when we left our hotel for the airport at 5am !

How would the concern for water be a cause of rolling blackouts?

Thanks for responding. I'm a bit concerned about visiting at the end of August! Are hotels allowing showers? I can live on gelato (no veggies) but it would be hard to not have a shower after walking around all day.

kwn333:

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/030626/80/e3a3p.html

Intrepid:

From the above article:
"...but also snarled production with hydroelectric plants unable to generate as much electricity as usual because of dwindling water supplies."

And another article...

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/030626/80/e3ah9.html

and these articles were from June, so if the water/electricity shortage is STILL that bad on 21 July.....then WOW is all I can say.