Continuous Rain and Full Diversion Boost Southern Taiwan's Second-Largest Reservoir's Storage by 53%

Southern Taiwan's Nanhua Reservoir, the region's second-largest water source, has experienced a dramatic increase in its water storage rate, surging by 53% over just 11 days. This significant replenishment brings the reservoir's current capacity to over 74%, effectively submerging islands that had previously become visible due to low water levels.

The dramatic rise is attributed to a combination of factors, including persistent rainfall in the reservoir's catchment area, driven by a weather front and strong southwest winds. Simultaneously, the reservoir has been operating at full capacity for inter-basin water diversion, further contributing to the substantial inflow.

According to statistics from the Southern Region Water Resources Bureau of the Water Resources Agency, the catchment area of Nanhua Reservoir received over 512 millimeters of rain between June 4 and the morning of the report. Additionally, the upstream area of the Jiashan Weir recorded nearly 485 millimeters of rainfall, indicating abundant moisture.

Water diversion from the Jiashan Weir catchment area, which has seen continuous rainfall, has been operating at maximum capacity, with daily inflows reaching up to 2.6 million cubic meters. Over the past 11 days, the combined inflow from upstream and inter-basin diversion is estimated to have added over 79.8 million cubic meters of water to the reservoir. This amount is equivalent to the capacity of one Wushantou Reservoir, highlighting the impact of the recent梅雨 (plum rain) season.

As of 1 p.m. on the day of reporting, Nanhua Reservoir's water level reached 175.35 meters, with an effective storage capacity of 61.18 million cubic meters. Despite the improved water situation, which is currently supplying daily needs for Tainan, the Southern Region Water Resources Bureau continues to urge the public to practice water conservation.