Regulatory

Taiwan has launched water rationing in some major cities as the island battles its worst drought in over a decade following the lowest rainfall in nearly 70 years

The state water company cut supplies to around 800,000 households and businesses in Taoyuan city on Wednesday as well as parts of Hsinchu county and New Taipei City in northern Taiwan for two days a week for an indefinite period.

The government said that it was forced to impose the measure as the water supply situation was urgent.

Institution of Chemical Engineers has produced a new policy report calling for co-ordinated action to reduce the amount of hidden water used in food and drink production - estimated to be 2,000-5,000 litres per person per day.