19 Apr 2023 | 06:16 AM UTC
Taiwan: Authorities imposing water rationing in multiple areas, mainly in the south, as of April 19 /update 2
Water rationing occurring in various areas of Taiwan, including major southern cities, as of April 19. Commercial disruptions possible.
Event
Taiwan's Central Emergency Operation Center is implementing further water rationing measures in multiple areas as of April 19 due to reduced rainfall. Hsinchu and Taichung cities, as well as Chiayi and Changhua counties are under the yellow alert status. The yellow level is the third-highest in a four-tiered rating system. Kaohsiung and Tainan cities are under orange alert status, the second-highest tier. Areas under yellow alert will face reductions in water pressure during off-peak hours 22:00-06:00 daily. Additional curbs for orange-alert areas include a 10-15 percent water cut for users consuming more than 1,000 cubic meters of water per month. Non-industrial business users with a similar usage such as swimming pools may experience up to 20-percent supply reductions; officials will limit swimming pool usage to athletes in Kaohsiung from April 20. 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.
