Taiwan is running out of water and chips may be next

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Water Resources Agency (水利署) convened an emergency meeting Tuesday (March 24) and raised Taichung's water status to a green "water alert," urging residents to conserve water amid the country's driest conditions in 75 years. Insufficient rainfall in the Da'an River (大安溪) basin has dropped reservoir storage to approximately 30 percent, prompting enhanced water-saving measures across central Taiwan. Taiwan has experienced significantly below-average rainfall this year, putting pressure on water supplies nationwide.

Feitsui Reservoir (翡翠水庫), located in northern Taiwan, maintains an effective storage volume of 331.95 million cubic meters with an 89.7 percent storage rate. The reservoir, dubbed the "double champion" among Taiwan's large reservoirs, supplies approximately 780,000 metric tons of water daily to the Banxin area. This supply ensures stable water resources for the Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan's major semiconductor manufacturing hub, and surrounding industries.

Still, Hsinchu has implemented reduced water pressure since March 12, lowering pressure from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily alongside additional measures to reduce reservoir outflow. Rainfall from Hsinchu to Tainan, spanning central and southern Taiwan, reached only 9 percent to 35 percent of historical averages since November 2025. This marks a 75-year low for the region, though inter-regional water dispatch measures have stabilized supply for now.

Taichung City Government collaborates with the Water Resources Agency to enhance water allocation, initiate drought preparedness measures, and urge industries and government agencies to implement conservation. Chiayi City Government encourages institutions, factories, and citizens to use recycled water from the local Water Resource Center to address potential shortages. Both municipal governments are coordinating responses as central and southern Taiwan face the most severe water stress from the ongoing drought.

The National Development Council (NDC), Taiwan's top economic planning body, reported at its Feb. 26 meeting that infrastructure improvements will add 263,700 metric tons of water per day to the island's supply by 2025. Achievements include reducing the water leakage rate to 11.71 percent and completing seven recycled water treatment plants and seven groundwater projects across Taiwan. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) plans to increase supply by 1.2 million metric tons per day over the next six years to ensure water security.

Taiwan's semiconductor industry, a critical global supplier of advanced chips, has shifted toward water-saving measures and increased recycled water usage to reduce reliance on natural sources. These efforts aim to balance the significant water demands of high-tech manufacturing with sustainable resource management amid climate-driven drought conditions affecting the island. The industry's water conservation initiatives support Taiwan's broader drought response strategy as the island faces its driest period in 75 years. ◼