Signs of water shortages have already started to appear in the south. Water levels at the northern Feitsui Reservoir have also dropped to between low and seriously low, leading to another drought alert. The government must economize on water use and find new sources of water, as well as promote sustainable use and distribution of water. It should also formulate strategies to solve the problem once and for all.
Low-cost and easy-to-develop reservoir sites are rare. The cost of reservoir development will definitely rise in the future. We need to study other water development technologies and closely regulate the quality of reservoir construction projects. In the past, residents near the planned site of a new reservoir would protest strongly against its construction. They have imperceptibly increased the cost of building reservoirs.
Within the next five to 10 years, the country may face severe water shortages after a number of industrial parks become fully operational. Envi-ronmental protection is certainly important. But the government and the public should fully understand the difficulties and spur the construction of reservoirs.
Since water resources are limited, the supply and distribution of water needs to be controlled to restrain the rapid and excessive growth of water requirements. Consumers should improve the way they use water by installing "water recirculation" equipment. Consumers should also be forced to pay for the development of water resources through their water bills.
The government could also reduce the huge amount of water used for farming by encouraging farmers to give up growing rice in regions where water is scarce. The management of water rights has to be especially strict. The use of land in water catchment areas should be based on conservation principles to avoid letting inappropriate development of such sensitive land damage the natural environment.
Pollution should be kept in check during land development and "wastewater treatment systems" constructed in midstream and downstream areas.
I suggest that the government promptly amend its water regulations entirely and systematically to take into account the changing situation nationwide. It should provide remote and barren areas with funds and technologies to improve their water reserves. Government agencies should integrate their organizations and duties so that the central and local governments can coordinate water acquisition and conservation measures.
The authorities really need to strengthen their cooperation with one another. Provision of water supplies should reflect the changing needs of industrial and commercial users, as well as the development of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and the livestock industries. The government must also cultivate water resource experts who can manage water resources effectively.
Shu Yih-jen is a professor of hydraulics and ocean engineering at National Cheng Kung University.
TRANSLATED BY EDDY CHANG
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