Taiwan: Authorities to extend water rationing in Kaohsiung from March 30 /update 1

Event

Taiwan's Central Emergency Operation Center has announced further water rationing measures in Kaohsiung from March 30 due to reduced rainfall in the region. Officials will move Kaohsiung from its current yellow alert status to orange, the second-highest tier in a four-tiered rating system. Effective March 30, in addition to ongoing reductions in water pressure during off-peak hours 22:00-06:00 daily for households, residential and industrial users consuming more than 1,000 cubic meters of water per month will face a 10-percent water cut. Non-industrial business users with a similar usage such as swimming pools may experience up to 20-percent supply reductions. Authorities did not specify when the rationing scheme will end.

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. Further water restrictions are possible if southern Taiwan continues to experience unusually dry conditions over the coming weeks.

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.