TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taoyuan City Government’s Department of Water Resources enlisted 41 backup wells and trucks as water reserves drop.
Due to the tight water supply, Taoyuan officials called upon private enterprises and citizens to reduce tap water usage and conserve existing supply. Water resources in the municipality have not improved since the Water Resources Agency (WRA) changed the water reserve indicator from “blue” to "green" on March 19.
Given the prolonged “green” indicator light, Taoyuan recruited wells to supply 20,228 tons of water daily. In addition to securing more supply, users will be asked to take corresponding water-saving measures, and recycling water has been encouraged, per CNA.
Taoyuan government said recycled water can be useful for water needs that do not come into contact with humans, such as watering trees, farmland irrigation, dust suppression at construction sites, and road cleaning. By using reclaimed or recycled water, communities can reduce dependence upon tap water during drought.
Other municipalities in central Taiwan have been affected by water shortages. The WRA’s “green” indicator applies to Hsinchu, Miaoli, and Taichung.
As of noon on Sunday (May 12), the water level of Shihmen Reservoir was 224.13 meters, the equivalent of just 32.6% of capacity. Reservoir levels are not expected to increase as Taiwan enters summer, when hotter temperatures lead to increased demand for water.