As the dry spell continues in many parts of the country, the government must use a different and comprehensive approach for rethinking the supply, demand and management of water resources and for building more efficient allocation and management mechanisms, Premier Mao Chi-kuo told Cabinet members today.
Rainfall in the first three months of 2015 is the lowest since weather records began 67 years ago, Mao said. With cities and counties experiencing a worse-than-expected water situation, and the Central Weather Bureau is also forecasting scant precipitation for the coming quarter, including for the annual "plum rain" season from May to June. To prepare for the worst-case scenario and extend water supplies, the government may begin third-phase water rationing in April rather than May as originally planned.
Aside from planning for the current drought, this would also be an opportune time for a thorough review of water management strategies for the future, Premier Mao added. In terms of supply, the government should conserve water and soil in reservoir catchment areas and clear away excess sedimentation to increase the lifespan of the reservoirs. Aggressive efforts are also required to encourage the recycling and reuse of waste water.
In terms of demand, the government should aim for zero-growth water consumption, Premier Mao said. This can be achieved by inspecting and replacing civilian-use pipelines to minimize leaks and loss of water, and by promoting water conservation as common practice. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is planning to amend the Water Supply Act to require common appliances to meet water-saving standards before they can be sold in stores; household appliances that fail the standards must also be replaced.
The premier also said raising water prices across-the-board is infeasible for the time being, but charging different rates to big water users or during dry seasons may be options to consider.
For agricultural use, Premier Mao said that farming production should be based on the availability of water, and that farmers should grow the types of crops suitable for their location while being mindful of food security concerns. In addition, hiring agricultural water maintenance workers can be a great help for monitoring and managing water use.
As for industrial use, water recycling should be a basic policy in industrial areas. Premier Mao said many industrial districts still lack water recycling facilities, and the central and local governments must work together to increase recycling rates. He also emphasized the need for a system to integrate water recycling among industries and households.
To better manage water usage, the premier suggested publishing open data on the nation's water situation. In this way, the public can help monitor water usage among different sectors, which will hopefully lead to more efficient and effective water usage and allocation.
The top priority now is to conserve and extend existing water supplies, the premier stressed. Later in the afternoon, the premier will head to the central drought command center to videoconference with heads of cities and counties and discuss drought measures. He said he hopes the local authorities can work together and help the country through these difficult times.