As shortage looms, MOEA chief urges people to save water

The minister said the water level in Shimen Reservoir (石門水庫) is low, citing a severe lack of recent rainfall. Chang added that people should prepare for a potential water shortage.

Chang said the reservoir serves many functions: irrigation, flood prevention, water collection, electricity generation and tourism.

Chang noted however that in 1994 and 1995, typhoons swept through the area, depositing a large amount of mud and silt at the bottom of Shimen Reservoir.

In light of an increase in the stability of the water supply and reduced risk of water shortage, Chang said he asked the Water Resources Agency (水利署) to finish the construction of the Zhongzhuang (中庄) pondage — a form of short-term water storage designed to regulate natural water flow — by the end of 2015.

Chang said the pondage will help Shimen Reservoir use hydraulic power to drive out silt during the typhoon season. At the same time, the pondage will not affect the downstream water supply.

Shimen Reservoir is currently pursuing two water-collection projects, including pondage efforts, with a total budget of NT$25 billion, Chang said. Once the renovations are completed, the reservoir will be able to remove 1.35 million cubic meters of silt a year, Chang said, while at the same time maintaining current capacity.

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5 Comments

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March 4, 2013    mikef12306@

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It seems funny that an island has a shortage of water......perhaps investing in researching cheap and efficient ways to turn sea water into drinkable water would be beneficial to Taiwan.

March 4, 2013    in.sanxia@

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In Sanxia we watch billions of tons of water run the 3 rivers and out to sea every time it rains. We need inflatable dams that divert water to ponds every time that it rains. In desert like California, communities around the Bay use this technique.

March 8, 2013    elumpen@

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Most water in Taiwan is wasted by farmers using backward irrigation methods, not domestic consumption. Educate the farmers to use proper methods of water conservation and the problem will go away.

March 10, 2013    jameshanson009@

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mikef12306@ wrote:
It seems funny that an island has a shortage of water......perhaps investing in researching cheap and efficient ways to turn sea water into drinkable water would be beneficial to Taiwan.

Desaltification is still too pricey compared to Taiwan's other water options. Good thought though.

March 11, 2013    ludahai_twn@

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elumpen@ wrote:
Most water in Taiwan is wasted by farmers using backward irrigation methods, not domestic consumption. Educate the farmers to use proper methods of water conservation and the problem will go away.

Perhaps if the government through its agricultural associations would invest in more modern irrigation systems rather than continue a system that more resembles the Middle Ages then more water would be conserved.

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