TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A massive pipeline rupture at Taichung's Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭) Water Treatment Plant triggered emergency water shutoffs Tuesday (Aug. 19), leaving nearly 300,000 households across nine districts without service. The infrastructure failure forced city officials to implement unprecedented water conservation measures during peak summer demand. Repair crews mobilized immediately to address what authorities described as one of the most significant water supply disruptions in recent years.
Taiwan Water Corporation (台水公司) officials confirmed that the massive 2,600mm pipeline experienced an abnormal rupture, compromising the integrity of the water distribution system. The state-owned utility company launched emergency repairs Tuesday at 10 a.m., with operations scheduled to continue until 10 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 20). Corporation engineers prioritized preventing additional water loss while maintaining safety protocols for raw water transportation throughout the affected regions.
Corporation officials assured anxious residents that round-the-clock repair operations would continue without interruption throughout the emergency period. Water service restoration was projected to begin gradually Wednesday morning, with priority given to critical infrastructure and densely populated areas. Residents in remote pipeline locations and high-elevation buildings were warned to expect delayed service restoration due to water pressure challenges.
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) publicly acknowledged the severe inconvenience to residents while directing district offices to closely monitor temporary water distribution operations. She emphasized the municipal government's unwavering commitment to swift resolution during an emergency city council meeting. Authorities rapidly established 139 temporary water stations citywide and deployed 14 specialized water trucks to ensure residents maintained access to essential water supplies. ◼
