23 Jun 2021 | 05:21 AM UTC
Taiwan: Officials ease water restrictions in more western counties as of June 23 /update 7
Authorities ease water restrictions in more western counties in Taiwan as of June 23. Industrial consumption, other controls ongoing.
Event
The Ministry of Economic Affairs has eased water rationing measures in several counties and cities in western Taiwan as of June 23 due to increased rainfall. Officials have ended water restrictions in Chiayi and Penghu counties and Tainan. Authorities have also lowered the alert level to yellow - the third-highest level in a four-tier rating system - for Hsinchu and Miaoli counties, Taoyuan City, and Linkou District, New Taipei City. Officials will continue to reduce water pressure during off-peak hours, but industrial use restrictions have ended.
Taichung and northern Changhua counties remain under orange alert, the second-highest level. Authorities reduce water pressure 24-hours per day in these areas, and industrial users must reduce consumption by 5-20 percent, subject to official directions. Non-industrial major water consumers, defined as more than 1,000 cubic meters (35,315 cubic feet) of water monthly, must reduce use by 20 percent. Authorities have not announced when they will further ease restrictions in Taichung and northern Changhua counties, but additional rounds of heavy rainfall are forecast in the coming weeks.
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.
Advice
Minimize water use during rationing periods. 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.
