Taiwan faces the twin challenges of intensifying climate change and a mountainous topography which makes it difficult to retain rainwater. To improve the nation's water security, the government has promoted a range of water resource-related policies, implemented strict water management and initiated a water environment infrastructure project under the auspices of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. Furthermore, in August 2021 a national water resources management master plan was approved to serve as a blueprint for future infrastructure construction and the management of the nation's water supply, incorporating a number of strategies for water management, water resource development, water conservation measures, water allocation adjustment, and the creation of auxiliary networks. The master plan centers around the promotion of three major initiatives that will from fountain to faucet bolster the water supply capabilities of each region, increase water reuse and recycling, and strengthen the management and resilience of the nation's water supply.
Three major initiatives
■ Comprehensive watershed management: At the upstream level where water is collected by the natural landscape, strengthen conservation in catchment areas and reduce siltation in order to increase the storage capacity of water reservoirs. At the midstream level where usable water supplies are developed, build infrastructure for a wide range of water sources including subsurface water, reclaimed water and desalinated seawater. At the downstream level where water is accessed by users, implement measures to promote water conservation among the general public and improve agricultural water conservation, in addition to reducing water pipe leakage.
■ Western corridor water supply network: Connect water infrastructure along the western corridor of Taiwan to ensure a stable regional water supply with more flexible allocation to supplement the needs of different areas. For example, the already completed second phase of the Banxin region water supply improvement project, an auxiliary pipeline linking Taoyuan's Shihmen Reservoir with the Hsinchu area, and the Tainan-Kaohsiung combined water resource project, can together transfer up to 1.21 million metric tons of water per day.
■ Artificial water source development: Promote reclaimed water as a resource for industrial use, reducing the risk of water scarcity for the public. Promote the desalination of seawater, reducing dependence on rainfall. This strategy will increase backup water supplies and ensure more usable water during dry seasons.