Water agency calls on public to conserve water, amid recent downpours

Taipei, May 25 (CNA) Although recent downpours have to some extent eased severe drought conditions in Taiwan, the Water Resources Agency (WRA) issued a press release Thursday calling on the public to conserve water, citing uncertain rainfall levels in the plum rain season.

Members of the public are urged where possible to reduce water usage, amid the ongoing challenges brought about by climate change, the WRA said during a meeting with officials from various water and river management district offices, according to the statement.

According to WRA statistics, the recent weather front is estimated to have deposited 5.8 million cubic meters of rainwater in reservoirs nationwide from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday, of which 1 million cubic meters was recorded in the Tsengwen and Wu Shan Tou reservoirs in southern Taiwan.

However, as of Thursday afternoon, Tsengwen Reservoir was at only 8.15 percent of capacity, while Jenitan and Nanhwa reservoirs, also in the south, were at 26.31 percent and 23.48 percent of capacity respectively.

In northern parts of the country, Shihmen, Feitsui and Second Baoshan reservoirs were at 36.51 percent, 52.41 percent and 82.91 percent of capacity respectively, the WRA data showed, while reservoirs in central Taiwan (Liyutan, Techi and Sun Moon Lake) were at 51.40 percent, 53.95 percent and 81.44 percent of capacity.

The WRA said it will continue to cooperate with the Irrigation Agency and local governments to adjust water supply for crop irrigation in the upcoming summer harvest, based on the amount of rainfall in each location.

Meanwhile, as Typhoon Mawar moves closer to Taiwan, the WRA reminded local governments to conduct various flood control operations, including the clearing of ditches to prevent blockages that could potentially result in flooding in the event of heavy rain.