First-stage rationing of water in Taoyuan, Linkou areas begins

The move comes after months of little to no rainfall.

The Water Resources Agency (WRA) said that Kaohsiung could be the next area to have water rationing, followed by Tainan and Hsinchu.

According to a WRA official, typhoons are the most important water source for Taiwan. However, the typhoon season ended early last year and regular rainfall this year has been lackluster, leading to the current water shortage.

The official said that if the amount of rainfall in the upcoming plum rain season also fails to replenish supplies, stricter rationing might be enforced before the next typhoon season.

The Northern Region Water Resources Office said that water conservation measures will be enforced in Taoyuan County and Linkou due to low water levels in Shihmen Reservoir.

The WRA said that the amount of rainfall in Hsinchu since February has been only 8-9 percent of the average of previous years.

The water-shortage indicator for Hsinchu has been adjusted to a green light, indicating drought-like conditions.

Meanwhile, according to the WRA, shortages also pose a problem for Southern Taiwan, especially Kaohsiung, due to the low water level in the Gaoping River, the main water source for the region.

The WRA said that in most cases Zengwen Reservoir and Nanhua Reservoir can ease shortages in Greater Kaohsiung. Current low levels in both these backups, however, could mean that Kaohsiung will be the next area to see water rationing.

The amount of rainfall in the upcoming plum rain season will be the key factor in whether the water shortage can be remedied.

Official's React to Water Shortage

Taoyuan County plans to set up two to four temporary draw-off points in each neighborhood if the water shortage continues. These points would give residents access to extra water, and are designed to lower pain from water-rationing on the public.

According to local reports, an emergency response team was set up to handle the water shortage situation in Southern Taiwan, with regular meetings held to review the usage and distribution of water.

SHARE CLOSE
Blogger		Google+
Live Journal		Plurk
Stumble Upon

Tweet

	PREVIOUS ARTICLE
	Separate taxes for couples ahead: gov't

NEXT ARTICLE
Minister supports 12-year education

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email

Submit