Plum Rain Raises Turbidity in Gaoping River; WRA Says Backup Supply Sufficient, No Impact on Water Supply

(Central News Agency, Taipei, 5th) The Water Resources Agency (WRA) stated today that due to the impact of the plum rain front, the turbidity of raw water in the Gaoping River has risen to 1200 NTU. The Southern Region Water Resources Branch and the 6th and 7th District Offices of Taiwan Water Corporation have completed the filling operation of the Nanhua-Gaoping connecting pipeline ahead of schedule. They will subsequently coordinate cross-regional transfers of clean raw water to assist with water supply as needed. In a press release today, the WRA explained that the turbidity increase began on June 4th. The Southern Region Water Resources Branch and Taiwan Water Corporation had prepared backup facilities in advance and completed the filling of the Nanhua-Gaoping pipeline. The Southern Region Branch will closely monitor turbidity changes in the Gaoping River, prioritize the use of backup sources such as hyporheic water and groundwater, and coordinate cross-regional transfers of clean water from the Nanhua Reservoir to ensure public water quality during the high-turbidity period. The WRA noted that the Kaohsiung area has established a diversified backup water supply system. Hyporheic water facilities along the Gaoping River, which draw water from beneath the riverbed, have a natural filtration effect and are less affected by short-term high turbidity, making them a crucial alternative source. Currently, the Xingtian, Xipu, and Daquan hyporheic water facilities are operational, providing approximately 285,000 metric tons of water per day. With existing groundwater backup sources providing about 450,000 metric tons per day and the Nanhua-Gaoping pipeline capable of transferring up to 400,000 metric tons per day, the resilience of Kaohsiung's water supply is enhanced. Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Lai Chien-hsin inspected the water situation in the southern region at the Zengwen Reservoir this afternoon. Noting the significant rainfall in the south over the past two days, Lai focused on reservoir storage levels and reminded authorities to closely monitor turbidity changes in the Gaoping River and activate emergency response measures to ensure a stable water supply for Kaohsiung. The WRA pointed out that the recent rainfall has increased the flow of the Qishan River. Deputy Minister Lai instructed the Southern Region Branch to actively enhance water diversion through the Jiasian Weir to increase the storage capacity of the Nanhua Reservoir, thereby improving water use efficiency to meet future public water demand in the southern region. The WRA stated that in recent years, the government has promoted water resource projects in the southern region, including reclaimed water, desalinated seawater, hyporheic water, connecting pipelines, and backup wells, gradually building a diversified and resilient water supply system. This system, through multiple backup sources and cross-regional transfer mechanisms, is designed to ensure stable water supply for domestic and industrial use in the face of challenges such as high river turbidity from heavy rain or extreme weather. (Editor: Yang Lanxuan) 1150605