News
Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai aims to avoid industrial water rationing amid worst drought in 75 years
Friday, March 27, 2026 at 02:16 AM
Taiwan is experiencing its most severe drought in 75 years, specifically impacting the western regions where the semiconductor industry is concentrated. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the government aims to prevent water rationing for industrial and household users through June. While Hsinchu is currently the most affected, infrastructure projects linking reservoirs like Shimen to the Hsinchu Science Park are helping mitigate supply risks. Monitoring continues for manufacturing hubs in Taichung.
Context
Taiwan is currently experiencing its most severe drought in 75 years, particularly affecting the western regions where the nation’s critical semiconductor infrastructure is concentrated. On March 24, 2026, the Water Resources Agency raised the alert level for Taichung to green while maintaining a yellow alert for Hsinchu, the 'Silicon Valley' of Taiwan. In response to these conditions, Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the government’s primary goal is to "avoid water rationing for industry and households before the end of June." This statement was made amid mounting concerns over falling reservoir levels at Baoshan and Liyutan, which have dropped to approximately 30% capacity.
To mitigate the impact on global chip supply, major manufacturers including TSMC, UMC, and ASE Technology have initiated voluntary water conservation measures, reducing usage by roughly 7%. The government is accelerating long-term infrastructure projects, such as the Shimen-to-Hsinchu pipeline and the Hsinchu Desalination Plant, to diversify water sources. While industrial production remains unaffected as of March 27, 2026, the success of these measures depends heavily on the upcoming plum rain season to replenish the western reservoirs.
Sources (11)
[PDF] Water Management - TSMC ESGLatest Newsletters - UMCCho vows crackdown on origin fraud - Taipei TimesHsinchu residents urged to conserve water as reservoir levels drop | Taiwan News | Feb. 26, 2026 15:34WRA raises Taichung water alert to green; Hsinchu remains at yellow
Legislative Yuan -Premier Cho Jung-tai's oral policy report to 5th session of 11th Legislature
Premier Cho Jung-tai's oral policy report to 4th session of 11th Legislature (Executive Yuan, R.O.C. (Taiwan)-Premier's Reports to the Legislature Detail)
Water Resources Agency,MOEA
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