Taiwan Starts Water Rationing

Taiwanhas launched water rationing in some major cities as the island battles its worst drought in over a decade following the lowest rainfall in nearly 70 years

The state water company cut supplies to around 800,000 households and businesses in Taoyuan city on Wednesday as well as parts of Hsinchu county and New Taipei City in northern Taiwan for two days a week for an indefinite period.

The government said that it was forced to impose the measure as the water supply situation was urgent.

It comes after the lowest rainfall across the island last autumn and winter since 1947.

Parts of the vast Shihmen dam in Taoyuan that supplies several cities in northern Taiwan have dried up, leaving a muddy crater. The dam held just 24.5% of its capacity on Wednesday, according to theWaterResources Agency.

"We continue to monitor the situation to determine how long the rationing will go on, as the supply of Shihmen dam is tight. We urge people to conserve and store water," said Cheng Tsao-ming, an official at the Taoyuan city government.

Homes, schools and businesses are relying on water stored in large tanks and are adopting water-saving measures, including recycling water for gardening and closing swimming pools and gyms on rationing days.

Some are concerned that their businesses will suffer if the water rationing continues. Showlin hair salon in Taoyuan said it had to turn away some customers.

Source: The Guardian

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Taxonomy

• Drought
• Governance & Planning
• Regulatory