Water Resources Agency estimates 390 million tonnes of water stored in Taiwan's reservoirs; Zengwen and Wushantou reservoirs reach 20% capacity

(Central News Agency, Xie Yixuan, Taipei, June 11) The Water Resources Agency (WRA) stated on June 11 that, as of 7:00 AM that day, the current wave of rainfall is estimated to have brought 390 million tonnes of water to reservoirs across Taiwan. The water storage volume of the Zengwen and Wushantou reservoirs has increased to 103.8 million tonnes, with the storage rate reaching 20%. As some rainfall runoff has not yet fully entered the reservoir areas, it is estimated that there is still room for water storage to recover.

In a press release issued on the same day, the WRA explained that since June 4, influenced by the plum rain front and southwest air currents, significant rainfall has occurred across Taiwan. As of 7:00 AM on June 11, this wave of rainfall has brought an estimated inflow of approximately 390 million tonnes to Taiwan's major reservoirs.

The WRA indicated that water storage in major southern reservoirs has recovered significantly. The combined storage of the Zengwen and Wushantou reservoirs increased from 53.97 million tonnes (10% storage rate) on June 4 to 103.8 million tonnes (20% storage rate). The Nanhua Reservoir increased from 17.1 million tonnes to 37.53 million tonnes, reaching a storage rate of 46%.

Regarding public concern over the water storage situation at the Agongdian Reservoir, the WRA explained that it is the only reservoir in Taiwan that implements empty-storage desilting operations during the flood season. According to operational guidelines, the empty-storage desilting period is from June 1 to September 10 each year, during which the water level must be kept below elevation 31 meters (approximately 8% storage rate).

The WRA clarified that during heavy rain in the catchment area, large amounts of sediment are easily carried. The empty-storage operation allows high-turbidity floodwater and sediment to be discharged directly into the sea, preventing siltation from affecting reservoir capacity and flood control functions. Therefore, the current low storage rate is a normal operational state and does not indicate a water supply abnormality or shortage.

The WRA pointed out that Taiwan has now entered the latter part of the plum rain season. While this wave of rainfall has effectively improved the water storage situation in various reservoirs, the nation must still face challenges such as extreme rainfall and uncertain typhoon paths under climate change. The WRA will continue to seize rainfall opportunities, strengthen water diversion and storage operations, and dynamically review various dispatch and water conservation measures to ensure a stable supply of water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. (Editor: Lin Jiaxian) 1150611