Taipei cancelled the openings of 168 new swimming pools Tuesday as contingency plans were put in place to cut water supplies to several regions by 10 percent.

With reservoir water levels hovering close to critical margins as a result of the island's worst drought in 10 years, the Taipei city government acted to save water and prevent more drastic measures.

It delayed the opening of 168 swimming pools and reduced water supply to 49 functioning public and private pools yesterday to save 40,000 tonnes of water.

"Weather forecasts suggest that Taiwan will be challenged by a lingering drought this year and the problem is not going to be solved within a short period of time," said Taipei's Mayor Ma Ying-jeou.

"We have to prepare for a long fight against a persistent drought."

Other measures included requiring all schools and government institutions to install water-saving devices.

The authorities offered rewards to people who reported water leakage or stealing of water.

They also ordered less watering of plants in public parks and a programme for changing old water pipes.

A campaign to promote water-saving habits will also be undertaken.

Water-rationing as a last-ditch measure would come into force if the situation did not improve.

The city's Fei-tsui reservoir has hit a low of 136 m - down from the April average of 160 m and just 20 m above critical levels.

Northern Taiwan has been worst-hit by the drought, including the counties of Taoyuan and Hsinchu where many high-tech industries are based.

They include major water consumers such as liquid-crystal makers mainly in Taoyuan and computer chipmakers located in the Hsinchu science-based industrial park.

In February, a water shortage in Hsinchu forced cuts in supplies to the science park with the result that manufacturers had to truck in water.

Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli have had to undertake first-stage water restriction measures since March, including closure of swimming pools and water fountains and a ban on car-washing, but not measures that would affect people's livelihood.

From May 1, Taoyuan will cut water supplies by 10 per cent through lowering water pressure at night if the situation there does not improve.

This measure will be extended to other northern parts including Hsinchu, Miaoli and Taipei counties if water levels continue to fall at the Shihmen reservoir, the main water source for northern Taiwan.

(People's Daily April 24, 2002)