Taiwan: Authorities to ration water in Chiayi and Tainan from March 1

Event

The Ministry of Economic Affairs has ordered water rationing measures in Chiayi and Tainan from March 1 due to reduced rainfall. Officials will place Tainan under orange alert, the second-highest level in a four-tiered rating system. Industrial, commercial, and residential customers in designated areas must reduce their water consumption. Industrial and non-industrial users that consume 1,000 tonnes (1,000 tons) of water or more per month must reduce water usage by 10 and 20 percent, respectively.

Authorities will place Chiayi under yellow alert status, the second-lowest tier. Customers in yellow alert areas will be subject to reduced water pressure from 22:00-06:00 daily.

Reduced water pressure is unlikely to impact residents in either county significantly. However, some business disruptions are possible, especially for companies that rely on large quantities of municipal water for operations. Authorities did not specify when the rationing scheme will end. If southern Taiwan continues to experience unusually dry conditions, further water restrictions could be imposed.

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.