Premier Mao Chi-kuo called on the public today to support the government's water conservation and restriction measures and to overcome the water crisis together.
While visiting Shihmen Reservoir in Taoyuan for an inspection of the reservoir and its dredging operation, Mao noted that the current dry spell is Taiwan's worst since record-keeping began 67 years ago. With extreme weather conditions becoming the new normal, the government must have short, medium and long-term response measures in place.
"Over the short-term, I hope everyone can help conserve water and make the maximum use of a limited supply. By each doing our small part, collectively we can make a big difference. For the medium and long-term, we should start from scratch and design policies that balance the development of water resources with conservation."
This includes reasonable allocation of water, smart management, water recycling and reuse, building intermediate waterways, replacing aging pipelines, and other measures that accommodate climate and water changes. The premier also hopes central and local officials will require big industrial water users to build their own water recycling and reutilization systems.
With the reservoir at a low level now, the premier directed the Ministry of Economic Affairs to remove excess sediment quickly using hydraulic dredging as it is the most effective and economical strategy. Mao hopes the Water Resources Agency can marshal all its resources to extending the lifespan of the reservoir.