Continuous Plum Rain Benefits: Ministry Says Reservoir Levels Rise 2cm per Hour
Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Lai Jian-shin stated on June 11 that water levels at Wushantou, Zengwen, and other reservoirs are rising at about 2 cm per hour due to persistent plum rain, with the Nanhua Reservoir also seeing rapid increases. This is expected to stabilize water supplies in Tainan and Kaohsiung. The Water Resources Agency estimates total inflows of 370 million tons across Taiwan, with 200 million tons already stored.
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- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 11:55
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(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 11) Following days of heavy rain from the plum rain front, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Lai Jian-shin reported on June 11 that water levels at the Wushantou Reservoir, Zengwen Reservoir, and others are continuously rising at a rate of approximately 2 centimeters per hour. The water storage volume at the Nanhua Reservoir is also increasing rapidly, which is significantly helpful for stabilizing the water situation in Tainan and Kaohsiung.
According to statistics from the Water Resources Agency (WRA), this rainfall event is expected to bring an estimated 370 million metric tons of inflow to reservoirs across Taiwan, with 200 million tons already stored. Among these, the combined estimated inflow to the Nanhua, Zengwen, and Wushantou reservoirs exceeds 130 million tons. The water storage rate at Wushantou Reservoir has returned to over 20% for the first time in 15 days and is expected to continue recovering.
The Economics Committee of the Legislative Yuan held a review on June 11 regarding the 2026 (FY115) central government budget for state-owned enterprises under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, including CPC Corporation, Taiwan and Taiwan Water Corporation. Deputy Minister Lai attended the session.
Regarding the recent water situation in southern Taiwan, Lai told the media that rainfall on June 9 had already pushed the Wushantou Reservoir's storage rate to over 20%, and the Zengwen Reservoir's rate to about 16%. Reservoir water levels are still rising, at roughly 2 cm per hour.
Lai pointed out that more rainfall is expected in the future. The catchment area of the Zengwen Reservoir is still experiencing rain, and the WRA is closely monitoring water diversion. Notably, the Jiaxian Weir is already at full capacity and diverting water into the Nanhua Reservoir, whose storage volume is increasing rapidly. This is very helpful for stabilizing the water situation in Tainan and Kaohsiung.
When asked if the Zengwen Reservoir's storage rate has a chance to reach 20%, Lai stated that an additional 30 to 40 million tons of water is expected to flow in, making it possible.
Asked whether the overall water situation in the south can be viewed with cautious optimism, Lai said the Ministry of Economic Affairs will handle it prudently.
Regarding Kaohsiung's water situation, Lai noted that the flow of the Gaoping River is increasing, ensuring stable water supply for the Kaohsiung area. However, regarding turbidity issues, the WRA and Taiwan Water Corporation are implementing countermeasures. He mentioned that even the hyporheic flow systems have not yet been activated, and expressed hope that the WRA and Taiwan Water Corporation will continue their efforts to ensure stable water supply for the public.
Lai stated that the WRA's "Pearl Necklace" project has been highly effective. The recently completed connecting pipeline project between the Zengwen and Nanhua reservoirs has provided approximately 20 million tons of water to the Nanhua Reservoir. Without the "Pearl Necklace" system, the Zengwen Reservoir could have potentially run dry.
Lai also noted that the Shimen Reservoir to Hsinchu connecting pipeline project was completed on May 20, and construction will be accelerated. The Da'an-Dajia River water source connecting pipeline project in central Taiwan is scheduled to begin trial operations in mid-2025. With the overall completion of the "Pearl Necklace" project, it will greatly contribute to the stability of water supply across Taiwan and the environment for industrial development. (Editor: Zhai Sijia) June 11, 2026
According to statistics from the Water Resources Agency (WRA), this rainfall event is expected to bring an estimated 370 million metric tons of inflow to reservoirs across Taiwan, with 200 million tons already stored. Among these, the combined estimated inflow to the Nanhua, Zengwen, and Wushantou reservoirs exceeds 130 million tons. The water storage rate at Wushantou Reservoir has returned to over 20% for the first time in 15 days and is expected to continue recovering.
The Economics Committee of the Legislative Yuan held a review on June 11 regarding the 2026 (FY115) central government budget for state-owned enterprises under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, including CPC Corporation, Taiwan and Taiwan Water Corporation. Deputy Minister Lai attended the session.
Regarding the recent water situation in southern Taiwan, Lai told the media that rainfall on June 9 had already pushed the Wushantou Reservoir's storage rate to over 20%, and the Zengwen Reservoir's rate to about 16%. Reservoir water levels are still rising, at roughly 2 cm per hour.
Lai pointed out that more rainfall is expected in the future. The catchment area of the Zengwen Reservoir is still experiencing rain, and the WRA is closely monitoring water diversion. Notably, the Jiaxian Weir is already at full capacity and diverting water into the Nanhua Reservoir, whose storage volume is increasing rapidly. This is very helpful for stabilizing the water situation in Tainan and Kaohsiung.
When asked if the Zengwen Reservoir's storage rate has a chance to reach 20%, Lai stated that an additional 30 to 40 million tons of water is expected to flow in, making it possible.
Asked whether the overall water situation in the south can be viewed with cautious optimism, Lai said the Ministry of Economic Affairs will handle it prudently.
Regarding Kaohsiung's water situation, Lai noted that the flow of the Gaoping River is increasing, ensuring stable water supply for the Kaohsiung area. However, regarding turbidity issues, the WRA and Taiwan Water Corporation are implementing countermeasures. He mentioned that even the hyporheic flow systems have not yet been activated, and expressed hope that the WRA and Taiwan Water Corporation will continue their efforts to ensure stable water supply for the public.
Lai stated that the WRA's "Pearl Necklace" project has been highly effective. The recently completed connecting pipeline project between the Zengwen and Nanhua reservoirs has provided approximately 20 million tons of water to the Nanhua Reservoir. Without the "Pearl Necklace" system, the Zengwen Reservoir could have potentially run dry.
Lai also noted that the Shimen Reservoir to Hsinchu connecting pipeline project was completed on May 20, and construction will be accelerated. The Da'an-Dajia River water source connecting pipeline project in central Taiwan is scheduled to begin trial operations in mid-2025. With the overall completion of the "Pearl Necklace" project, it will greatly contribute to the stability of water supply across Taiwan and the environment for industrial development. (Editor: Zhai Sijia) June 11, 2026
FAQ
Will this plum rain solve Taiwan's water shortage?
The rainfall has significantly improved reservoir storage, but it depends on future rainfall. The MOEA is taking a cautious approach.
What is the 'Pearl Necklace' project?
It is a pipeline network project by the WRA to connect reservoirs across Taiwan, enabling inter-regional water transfer to stabilize water supply.
How much has the Zengwen Reservoir's storage rate recovered?
As of June 11, 2025, it was about 16%, but the water level is rising at 2 cm per hour and is expected to reach 20%.