Falling water levels in Miaoli County reservoirs have exposed normally submerged landmarks, highlighting growing drought concerns as reservoir storage drops across central and southern Taiwan.

These are not ancient Roman columns, but rather evidence that the water level at Miaoli’s Yongheshan Reservoir is low enough to expose its terraced slope. A local Earth God shrine and the historic Liao family homestead that are normally submerged have also reappeared. 

These landmarks are only visible because insufficient rainfall has caused most water reservoir storage levels across central and southern Taiwan to fall below 50%. The last two times they were visible were in 2021 and 2019. 

While some local residents have been stopping by to take in these seldom seen sights, they also worry about facing drought conditions once again. The current water level near the Earth God shrine is approaching that of 2021, when storage fell below 20%. Across Miaoli County’s three reservoirs, levels are roughly half what they were at this time last year.

According to the Deputy Director of Taiwan Water Corporation’s Third District Management Office, the water supply remains secure, but the public is encouraged to conserve water. 

The Water Resources Agency has established an emergency response task force in response to the strained water supply. Meanwhile, all local residents can do is use water sparingly, and hope for rain. 

H for Rti News