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Ted Chen

The China Post

Publication Date : 14-03-2013

Taiwan's Water Resources Agency yesterday issued a “green” alert, representing an escalation from “blue,” in response to the recent lack of rainfall. A “yellow” alert is expected to be issued on March 15, coupled with reduction of water pressure in the evening hours, according to reports.

Currently, water supply is critically low in the southern regions of Taiwan, including Kaohsiung and Tainan. Water supply remains nominal throughout the rest of Taiwan.

Rainfall in the first three months of the new year is at a historical low, with rainfall in the areas surrounding Hsinchu accumulating only 70 per cent the amount of rainfall conventionally recorded in January, while in February and March, only 9 and 8 per cent of rainfall was recorded against historical averages, leading to waning water levels at various reservoirs, according to reports.

Propelled by the requirements of the agricultural sector, a surge in water usage is impending, according to the Water Agency, adding that farms have been instructed to adjust their irrigation processes to conserve water. So, the areas surrounding Hsinchu will not experience significant water shortages, the Water Agency indicated.