Taiwan’s Water Resources Agency is asking people to keep water usage to a minimum when carrying out traditional spring cleaning before the Lunar New Year. That comes after Taiwan’s national water supplier said that this year, water usage could be even higher than last year. Taiwan Water Corporation says that last year, usage peaked at 8% higher than average levels.
The news comes as Taiwan faces a shortage in national water supply. That’s partly down to the fact that last year, no typhoons passed over Taiwan’s main island. Typhoons bring heavy rainfall that is essential for the country’s water security.
The Water Resources Agency says it is still too early to say whether water usage will reach critical levels. It says that in fact, the COVID-19 pandemic may mean that the country uses less water this year. That’s because authorities have cancelled a number of big events celebrating the Lunar New Year, and fewer restaurants are opening their doors. In addition, the agency says that fewer workers at Taiwanese businesses are returning home for the New Year.
Nonetheless, the agency says it is working with the Taiwan Water Corporation and other organizations to ensure supply meets demand. It is also asking the public to reduce the amount of water they use during traditional Lunar New Year spring cleaning. The agency suggests people avoid peak water usage times, attach water saving devices to water taps, and use laundry water to clean floors and bathrooms.