Economics Minister John Deng has told the legislature that Taiwan will need eight more days of rain before the government can call off plans to begin water rationing in April.
Deng said that recent rainfall has only contributed an extra week’s worth of water to Taiwan’s reservoirs. Asked about the possibility of digging new reservoirs, Deng said the government would have to overcome the opposition of local residents and come up with a long-term plan. However, Deng said that the government will continue to do everything possible to prevent the buildup of silt in existing reservoirs.
Taiwan’s Water Resources Agency says the country is facing its worst drought in 67 years. Beginning April 1st, residents of Taoyuan City and certain districts of New Taipei City will see their water supplies cut entirely for two days every week. The move is expected to impact more than a million households.