Taiwan rations water as drought continues

Taiwan has begun rationing water supplies to more than one million households as it tackles the island's worst drought in years.

Water supplies will be cut off entirely for two days each week, on a rotating basis, in several northern cities.

The shortage is due to reduced rainfall, leaving water levels in reservoirs far below capacity. But a leaky delivery system, silt build-up in reservoirs and wastage are also being blamed.

Late last month, the government said the dry spell was forecast to continue.

"The water supply situation is urgent as Taiwan had the lowest rainfall last autumn and winter since 1947," the economics affairs ministry said.

"We may have delayed or no monsoon rains at all... We urge the public to co-operate during this difficult time."

The rationing is affecting New Taipei City, neighbouring Taoyuan City and Hsinchu County all in the north of the island. New Taipei surrounds the capital, Taipei, which remains unaffected.

Local media said the water level in Shihmen Reservoir, which supplies the northern area, was now at 24.56% of capacity, the lowest since it became operational in 1964.