Premier Jiang Yi-huah today called upon citizens to economize the use of water, pledging stronger government measures to tackle the water shortage problem.
On an inspection of the water situation at Shihmen Reservoir in northern Taiwan's Taoyuan County, the premier said the Water Resources Agency (WRA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs has been keeping a close eye on 12 major reservoirs. With the exception of Keelung's Xinshan Reservoir and Pingtung County's Mudan Reservoir, water levels at the other 10 locations are considerably lower than normal due to scanty rainfall since the Lunar New Year.
According to the WRA, precipitation received by Shihmen Reservoir in January, February and early March measured just 53 percent, 10 percent and 10 percent of the averages in previous years—the second-lowest levels on record. Equally worrisome are conditions at southern Taiwan's Zengwen Reservoir, where rainfall levels are at their lowest ever.
If precipitation does not pick up soon, the WRA will begin second-stage rationing measures in April, which will likely affect agriculture, industries, even households, the premier said. He urged citizens to begin conserving now and to be mindful of water use at home.
Jiang directed the WRA to dredge the reservoirs while water levels are low to extend the lifespan of the reservoirs. The Council of Agriculture (COA) will also look into compensating farmers who stop irrigating and allow their farmlands to lie fallow.
The premier said conservation measures are not enough; the government must actively plan ahead to mitigate the impacts of the water shortage.
After being briefed by the WRA and the COA's Department of Irrigation and Engineering, Premier Jiang inspected the water situation from Shihmen Dam's spillway bridge. He was accompanied by Agriculture Minister Chen Bao-ji, and the Executive Yuan's Spokesperson Cheng Li-wun and Deputy Secretary-General Chien Tai-lang.