Shihmen Dam, Embankment dam in Daxi, Taiwan.
Shihmen Dam is an embankment dam stretching 360 meters across the Dahan River, creating Taiwan's third largest reservoir system. The structure rises 133 meters high and supplies water daily to Taoyuan County and New Taipei City for households, factories, and farms.
Construction began in 1955 with financial backing from the United States and involved thousands of workers in a major undertaking. When finished in 1964, it represented a significant step forward for water management and regional development.
The reservoir plays a central role in how people in this region manage their daily water needs and agricultural cycles. Local communities have adapted their lives around this water source, which shapes the rhythm of farming and industrial activity.
Visitors should be aware that weather conditions can vary significantly depending on the season, particularly during typhoon season when rainfall becomes intense. It helps to check local conditions beforehand and bring appropriate gear for whatever the weather may bring.
During typhoon season, the area receives intense rainfall that dramatically affects water clarity in the reservoir. The sediment levels can become exceptionally high compared to calmer periods, making the water appear very cloudy.
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