Water resources: Ministry restricts usage

To solve the water shortages in northern and central Taiwan, the Water Resources Agency (水利署) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs yesterday announced it is banning the use of water for "unneces-sary purposes" in Taoyuan, Miaoli and Chiayi. According to Hwang Jing-san (黃金山), director of the agency, the use of water for swimming pools, fountains, car washing and other luxury purposes will be suspended immediately due to low rainfalls in these areas last month and this month. If the shortages continue, the agency may have to limit water use in other areas and lower water pressures at nights across the nation. The water supply for the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park, however, will not be affected by the agency's plans.