Accra:The nation aims to finalize a comprehensive network of water supply pipelines within the next two to three years to facilitate water transfers across regions during shortages, a senior official from the Water Resources Agency (WRA) announced.
According to Focus Taiwan, Director-General Lin Yuan-peng of the WRA discussed at the Taiwan International Water Forum that 11 out of 16 pipelines under the Ministry of Economic Affairs' "String of Pearls" initiative have been completed. The completion of the remaining five pipelines is expected to enhance water distribution between northern, central, and southern Taiwan, thereby ensuring that major industrial parks and cities have access to dual water sources. This strategy is intended to minimize disruptions to households and businesses when one water source is limited.
Taiwan is also advancing the development of alternative water sources such as artificial lakes, subsurface river water, reclaimed water, and desalinated seawater to reduce its dependence on reservoirs. Additionally, efforts are being made to diminish water leakage, which currently stands at about 10 percent nationwide, by compelling businesses to improve water management and conservation.
The preservation of reservoir storage capacity is being addressed through dredging, sediment reduction measures, and watershed conservation. Despite substantial investments in climate adaptation, Taiwan is still challenged by increasingly extreme weather events, which test its flood preparedness. Lin highlighted the significant rainfall brought by southwesterly winds to Kaohsiung and Pingtung in August, which was nearly 70 percent of Taiwan's average annual rainfall.
To enhance flood control, the government is implementing detention basins, flow-control facilities, embankments, and improved drainage and pumping capacities. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is helping authorities to quickly prepare for floods, with faster simulations enabling better allocation of emergency resources and improved post-disaster assessments.
Moreover, AI, drones, and remote monitoring are being utilized for reservoir management and post-earthquake inspections. Coordination among various agencies, including those responsible for forests, soil conservation, and urban drainage, is crucial for effective water management. The government’s approach involves mapping data to identify problem areas and guide strategic measures within long-term action plans. Lin emphasized the necessity of integrating nature-based solutions and carbon-reduction measures to bolster flood protection while enhancing environmental quality.