Water Shortage Looms for Taiwan Science Park

Lower-than-normal rainfall around a major technology manufacturing area in Taiwan, the Hsinchu Science Park, has prompted the government to cut water pressure at night and study more stringent measures going forward.

The water level in one reservoir that supplies the science park has fallen to 36 percent of capacity, while another is at 47 percent, according to science park management. Authorities would usually expect levels between 72 percent and 82 percent of capacity at this time of year.

On March 10 the water utility began reducing water pressure for six hours per night when non-industrial consumers in the surrounding county normally keep their taps off. The pressure drop will reduce wasted water.

"We haven't stopped providing water. It's just a reduction in pressure," said Chien Chen-yuan, an engineer with the government's Water Resources Agency. "For the moment we will keep monitoring things."

But the government may consider stronger measures if rainfall of just 30 percent of average so far this year continues through April.

Taiwan seldom faces water shortages. The tropical island normally gets plentiful rainfall, and last year an excess of it triggered a landslide in northern Taiwan, covering a section of freeway and burying several cars. (read more)