01 Jun 2021 | 07:04 AM UTC
Taiwan: Officials continuing water rationing in parts of western Taiwan as of June 1; tighter measures delayed /update 5
Authorities delay tighter restrictions in red-alert areas of western Taiwan as of June 1. Industrial consumption, other controls ongoing.
Event
The Ministry of Economic Affairs has delayed planned intensified measures in areas under red alert, the highest level in a four-tier rating system, as of June 1 due to heavy rainfall in recent days. However, authorities will continue to restrict the water supply in Miaoli, Taichung, and northern Changhua counties twice per week. Officials require industrial customers throughout these red alert areas to reduce water consumption by 15 percent. Any non-industrial major consumers, defined as more than 1,000 cubic meters (35,315 cubic feet) of water monthly, must reduce use by 13 percent.
Chiayi, Tainan, Hsinchu, Taoyuan City, and Linkou District, New Taipei City, remain under orange alert. Authorities continue to reduce water pressure 24-hours per day in these locations. Industrial users must reduce consumption by 15 percent, while non-industrial major water consumers must reduce use by 20 percent.
Kaohsiung and most of Changhua, Yunlin, and Nantou counties are under yellow alert, the second-lowest tier. Officials are reducing water pressure in these locations 22:00-06:00 daily. Industrial clients must lower consumption by seven percent.
Reduced water pressure is unlikely to impact residents significantly. However, some business disruptions are possible, especially for companies that rely on large quantities of municipal water for operations. Authorities have not announced when the rationing scheme will end, but additional rounds of heavy rainfall are forecast in the coming weeks. The measures will probably remain in place through at least June, depending on regional rainfall.
Advice
Minimize water use during the rationing. Confirm and stock up on alternative water supplies for business purposes. Water pressure and quality may be poor after normal service resumes daily; consider running taps for several minutes before using water.
