With the insufficient rainfall, the first phase water rationing project is already in effect, including 8 cities and counties across the island. The Water Resources Agency said that if the condition does not get better in the next few weeks, the second phase may be implemented on May 20th, at the earliest.

The Water Resources Agency announced Phase 1 water rationing measures in Tainan and Kaohsiung on Friday, bringing the total number of cities and counties that are employing some form of water rationing to eight.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs has scheduled a drought meeting on Monday, and expects Phase 2 water rationing measures to go into effect in Taoyuan, Hsinchu City and County, Miaoli, Taichung, and northern Changhua by May 20th.

During Phase 2, water supplies to high-water consumption businesses, including car washes, spas, and swimming pools, will be reduced by 20%. Industrial water supplies will also be reduced by 5%.

According to WRA data, water levels at Shimen Reservoir, Baoshan and Baoer Reservoirs, and Liyutan Reservoir are three, four, and five meters, respectively, from "danger" levels.

A new front will arrive in Taiwan in the next few days, and the WRA hopes that rain stimulation measures will help alleviate the water shortage.