Tainan has begun rationing its water supply by lowering the water pressure at certain times of the day. The move comes amid poor rainfall in the area, which has triggered a yellow water alert in the city. On Monday, President Tsai Ing-wen headed to Kaohsiung to inspect the situation and urging the general public to conserve water. She added that the central government had already made plans with the city government to ensure a stable water supply even with limited precipitation. Let’s hear from her.
Tsai Ing-wen
President
We are strengthening the water supply to combat water shortages. Through regional governance, we can share and better regulate water resources. So that Southern Taiwan can get a stable water supply before the rainy season.
Wang Mei-hua
Economics minister
There hasn’t been any heavy rain at Tsengwen Reservoir since August 2021. Here in Kaohsiung, the supply relies on the Gaoping River.
Chen Chi-mai
Kaohsiung mayor
From Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung. We can use our shared resources and make permanent plans.
Water levels at Baihe Reservoir and Tsengwen Reservoir in Tainan are both under 25% capacity. Levels at Wushantou, Nanhua and Akungtien are all stable. Localities in Southern Taiwan have taken action to share their water resources. Over in Kaohsiung, 11 wells are being set up, which will be able to provide 47,000 tons of water daily by the end of the month.
