TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is participating in a Japanese initiative to help preserve groundwater by directing water into fallow fields.

The move comes amid concerns over water resource shortages due to the company’s Kumamoto operations, per UDN. TSMC estimates that its two wafer fabs in Kumamoto will consume approximately 8 million cubic meters of groundwater daily by 2028, which accounts for about 5% of the region’s current annual groundwater supply.

Kumamoto, a population of around 1,000,000 people, relies heavily on groundwater for its farming, Nikkei Asia reported. However, groundwater resources began decreasing in the 1970s as farmland was paved over.

The situation has worsened with TSMC’s arrival.

The semiconductor giant said it has been proactive about replenishing the water supply. According to Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation, TSMC has committed to returning around 2 million tonnes of water underground.

Additionally, Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), TSMC’s Japanese subsidiary, said it will collaborate with local governments and an agricultural cooperative to purchase locally grown rice for use in the plant’s cafeteria. This initiative aims to encourage local rice farming, thereby enhancing groundwater replenishment, the company said.

JASM added that it plans to recycle 75% of the water it uses at the plant.