Rainfall in the Zengwen Reservoir catchment area is expected to exceed 14 million cubic meters in recent days

The Cengwen Reservoir catchment area has been experiencing continuous rainfall, and it is estimated that more than 14 million cubic meters of water can be harvested. (Photo by reporter Wu Junfeng)

Affected by low-pressure belts and southwesterly winds, the catchment area of Tsengwen Reservoir, the largest in the country, has experienced significant rainfall in recent days. According to statistics from the Southern District Water Resources Branch of the Water Resources Department, the inflow is estimated to have reached eight figures so far this Wednesday, at least 14 million cubic meters. Following the intrusion period of "Bawei" in Central Taiwan, the water situation has been effectively replenished again after a 40-day interval.

In addition to the injection of upstream runoff, in response to local rainfall, agricultural water use is also coordinated with early intermittent irrigation. From Wednesday to now, it is estimated that the water output has been reduced by about 2.8 million cubic meters. The moisture brought by low-pressure zones and southwesterly winds not only replenishes water smoothly, but also saves water.

According to statistics from the South Water Management Bureau, the cumulative rainfall in the Zengwen Reservoir catchment area was 29.2 mm on Wednesday, 32.3 mm yesterday, and 26.7 mm today as of evening. The water vapor is quite obvious. It is estimated that it is expected to bring an inflow of more than 14 million cubic meters. Due to the continued influence of low-pressure zones and southwesterly winds, there is a chance that the water inflow efficiency will be improved and the water storage rate will increase.

According to observations, as of 6 o'clock tonight, the water level of the Zengwen Reservoir was 222.29 meters, with a water storage rate of 78.40%. Together with the total effective water storage capacity of the Wushantou Reservoir, it is still more than 419 million cubic meters. The Southern Water Management Bureau stated that the current water conditions in Tainan are normal and water use in all areas is safe, but it still calls on the public to continue to develop good habits of saving water.

As for the Nanhua Reservoir, which supplies water for people's livelihood, due to abundant rainfall in the catchment area today, the accumulation in the afternoon has exceeded 54 mm. The runoff has continued to surge, breaking through the full water level and starting the second natural overflow this year. Residents in the lower reaches of Hohori River are urged to stay away from the river bank and pay attention to safety.