Taiwan's Modern Drought Experiences

This is not the first time that a long drought has led to serious water shortages and water rationing in Taiwan. According to the Central Weather Bureau, there were five major droughts in Taiwan during the period 1906-1978: 1911, 1934, 1954, 1970 and 1978. For three years beginning in 1978, Taipei had to enforce water rationing, which caused great suffering among the populace.

Back then the main source of water for the Taipei metropolitan area was the Chingtanyen Reservoir, which simply couldn't supply enough water. It wasn't until the Feitsui Reservoir was built that the water shortage started to ease-though the drought persisted. Finally, some timely rains put an end to the shortages.

Little did anyone expect that this year would bring the worst water shortage in recent memory. The city has once again been split into districts for water rationing.

Apart from the current water shortage in Taipei, most of the hubbub over drought in recent years has focused on central and southern Taiwan. The most severe situation was a 1993 drought that afflicted Pingtung, central Taiwan, and Kinmen. Rain ceremonies, during which people would offer the gods incense and kneel down in prayer, were held all over Taiwan. In Taoyuan County there was a procession that included as many as 1000 residents. For six hours the procession traveled eight kilometers with the participants walking three steps and bowing and then walking five steps and kneeling. It was a magnificent sight.