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Water Quallity Protection Web

Core objective

The Water Pollution Control Act was promulgated in 1974, and the government focused its efforts on inspecting and supervising factories to construct wastewater treatment facilities.

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News

12Jul

Taiwan and the US Lead Asia-Pacific Countries in Soil and Groundwater Remediation Practices, Offering Technical Management Solutions

Taiwan has been continuously developing technologies for the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination, importing advanced ones from environmentally progressive countries, and enhancing and localizing them. This ongoing effort ensures Taiwan's leading position in the Asian region and enables the sharing of its experiences with other Asia-Pacific countries. Through the Taiwan-US Environmental Cooperation Agreement, the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) invited seven experts from the United States and Australia to participate in the "2024 International Workshop for Taiwan-US Soil and Groundwater Remediation Technical Exchange" held at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan on June 27-28, with over 200 domestic and international participants from industry, government, and academia. This event provided opportunities to learn about the latest international trends in emerging contaminant remediation technologies and management strategies. In his opening remarks, Minister Chi-Ming Peng emphasized that high-quality soil and groundwater are fundamental to protecting ecosystems and human health, and crucial for achieving sustainable development goals, such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Especially in the face of extreme weather events currently arising from climate change, planning for remediation must consider greener, more sustainable and resilient methods and tools. Additionally, thought must be given to addressing the challenges posed by emerging contaminants, which the Ministry of Environment has begun to investigate and manage. This international workshop provided an excellent opportunity to share and exchange experiences regarding the remediation and management of emerging contaminants, thus contributing to restoring the environment and maintaining sustainability. Assistant Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Jane Nishida, delivered an address, noting that since the 1990s, the US EPA has closely collaborated with Taiwan's Ministry of Environment to enhance environmental protection. Assistant Administrator Nishida specifically thanked the teams from the US EPA, Taiwan's Ministry of Environment, and the Working Group on Remediation for Soil and Groundwater Pollution of the Asia and Pacific Region (ReSAG) for their concerted efforts in making this in-person exchange possible. She emphasized that soil and groundwater contamination pose serious threats to human health, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, making it crucial to strengthen capabilities to remediate contaminated sites. She expressed hope that this workshop would promote the exchange of professional knowledge and further protect the environment in the Asia-Pacific region. The EMA stated that this international workshop invited experts from the US and Australia to share their insights on international trends in the management of emerging contaminants, remediation technologies, and case studies. The EMA also invited official representatives from nine member countries of the ReSAG to exchange information on the latest remediation technologies, management strategies, and implementation experiences. During the workshop, several Taiwanese experts and scholars participated in interactive discussions, enabling attendees to quickly get updated on the latest global trends in their fields. Another highlight of this international workshop was the concurrent exhibition for the first time of Taiwan's twelve most advanced soil and groundwater contamination remediation and environmental protection technologies. The exhibits, developed by the Ministry of Environment, academia, and industry, included the "Passive Groundwater Sampler", "Soil Washing Technology", and "Introducing AI Geofencing for Combating Illegal Dumping." The invited experts from industry, government, and academia demonstrated the principles and applications of these technologies to representatives from the US, Australia, and ReSAG. Deputy Minister Chih-Hsiu Shen expressed his pleasure in seeing Taiwan showcase its innovative environmental technologies at this international event, reflecting Taiwan's leadership in investigation and remediation technologies related to environmental contamination. He also hoped that "Taiwan Can Help" by promoting these technologies to the Asia-Pacific region, to assist neighboring countries with preventing and ameliorating soil and groundwater contamination, and fostering cooperation in regional environmental protection. The EMA emphasized that soil and groundwater protection is the last line of defense for Earth's survival. As a leading guardian of environmental protection in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan will continue to collaborate with advanced countries to develop green, sustainable remediation technologies and pollution prevention strategies. Furthermore, Taiwan will share the outcomes of regional cooperation to continue safeguarding soil and groundwater resources.

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07Nov

Business Busted for Illegal Rerouting and Discharge of Wastewater to Kaohsiung Port

After lengthy monitoring, the Southern Center of Environmental Management of the MOENV’s Environmental Management Administration (EMA), recently successfully identified a metal finishing business in Siaogang District, Kaohsiung City that had not properly treated its wastewater. The untreated wastewater was discharged by a motor pump into a drainage ditch outside the factory, polluting the water in Port of Kaohsiung. Inspection personnel took samples from inside the drainage manhole that was only big enough for one person to enter and confirmed the illegal action. The business was immediately ordered to cut off the illegal pipeline and cease the discharge of wastewater. It will be prosecuted and penalized according to law. During a routine petrol around the seafront industrial zones in Kaohsiung City, the Southern Center of Environmental Management suspected a metal finishing factory in Siaogang District of discharging wastewater through an unauthorized outlet. The wastewater was found to contain elevated levels of heavy metals. A special task force was set up to monitor the situation. During a period of heavy rainfall last month, the factory was observed discharging wastewater from the unauthorized outlet when the rain subsided. Immediate sampling and testing were conducted, revealing the concentration of suspended solids at 100 mg/L, exceeding the standard limit of 30 mg/L by 3.3 times. Further investigation inside the facility found that the business was allowing generated wastewater containing heavy metals to flow into an adjustment tank. The wastewater was then pumped out by a motor and, with manual valve controls, directed into a concealed ground opening in a corner of the factory and discharged into the drainage ditch before entering Port of Kaohsiung, causing marine pollution. The wastewater exceeded the Effluent Standards (放流水標準) and the action constituted illegal rerouting, violating Article 7 Paragraph 1, and Article 18-1 Paragraph 1 of the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法). The inspection personnel will report the behavior for future penalty accordingly. To confirm that the external wastewater indeed came from said business, inspectors traced the flow of the wastewater using dye and entered the narrow drainage manhole to collect evidence. It was verified that the colored wastewater did enter the drainage system, and there were no other sources of wastewater, confirming the business' violation. Despite the business owner’s attempt to put the blame on foreign employees, extensive evidence collected over time confirmed that this was not the business’ first offense. To prevent the continuous discharge of untreated wastewater, the business was immediately ordered to cut off the unauthorized pipeline onsite to prevent further pollution. The EMA urges all enterprises to comply with relevant regulations when treating and discharging wastewater. While continuing to investigate businesses that pollute rivers, environmental authorities will intensify supervision and control in industrial zones lacking centralized wastewater disposal facilities. Any unscrupulous businesses found to have discharged wastewater via unapproved outlets will face strict punishment based on relevant regulations in order to uphold environmental quality. Excerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2023

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21Jun

Legislative Process Continues for Environmental Testing and Analysis Act

In January this year the MOENV’s draft of the Environmental Testing and Analysis Act (環境檢驗測定法) was submitted to the Executive Yuan for review. Handled alongside it was formulation of important sub-laws and related legal regulations. The bill aims to improve the environmental testing and analysis system, strengthen management of organizations, personnel and equipment in the environmental testing and analysis industry, and enhance quality of testing and analysis data. After it takes effect, the Act will be able to enable integration and improvements to the management of environmental testing, making it more comprehensive. Background Environmental testing and analysis is an important part of environmental protection. Accurate testing and analysis data are required to establish a basis for various types of work such as formulation of environmental laws and regulations, environmental impact assessment (EIA) investigations, environmental quality monitoring, pollution prevention and controls, and inspection and control of public nuisances. Following the Executive Yuan’s policy direction, the MOENV’s Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL), has developed an implementation plan in accordance with a medium-term implementation plan and an approved budget. The plan also took into account current social conditions and the EAL’s future development. The four current objectives are as follows: 1. Development of standard environmental testing methods 2. Strengthening management of environmental testing and analysis organizations 3. Conducting sampling and testing for environmental quality and pollution sources 4. Promoting quality control and management to improve the level of environmental testing technology The first objective is to develop standard environmental testing methods. the MOENV aims to formulate and refine environmental testing standards, improve the quality of environmental data, and facilitate development of the environmental testing Industry. Other goals include improving the mechanism for issuing penalties at different levels based on severity of violations. It is therefore necessary to change legislation to enable the new management measures, hence the drafting of the Environmental Testing and Analysis Act.

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28Apr

Founding of Preparatory Office of Climate Change Agency on Earth Day 2023

The Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency held an unveiling ceremony at 10 am on Earth Day (April 22nd) today. Premier Chen, Chien-Jen, Secretary General Li, Meng-Yen, Minister without Portfolio Lo, Ping-Cheng, and other distinguished guests attended to witness the important milestone of the key launch Chang, Tzi-Chin, the Minister of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) (EPA), stated that the draft of the “Ministry of Environment and Affiliated Third Level Agencies Organizational Act” has received preliminary support from the Legislative Yuan, completed the initial review by the committee and entered the negotiation stage. It is hoped that it will be passed during this session. Due to the rapid growth of business after the "Climate Change Response Act" was promulgated and implemented by the President on February 15th this year (2023), an approach in one stroke was adopted first to establish the “Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency (the POCCA)” to supplement the manpower required for urgent business and follow the preparatory work of the Climate Change Agency. Premier Chen, Chien-Jen stated that establishing the Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency (POCCA) is a key to Taiwan's climate change action. It declares the determination to achieve net zero emissions and marks a milestone in industrial transformation and sustainable national development. Premier Chen cited the previous drought in central and southern Taiwan. Still, the impact was reduced due to the advanced deployment, showing "God helps those who help themselves" and the importance of early responses to adaptation. The work of the POCCA will make Taiwan more resilient to climate change. As for carbon fees, Premier Chen emphasized that carbon fees are related to the international competitiveness of industries. The Executive Yuan will urge various ministries to assist actively. My colleagues and I are all very excited at this moment!" Minister Chang said in his speech. He emphasized that climate change is a severe global challenge. In 2021, President Tsai, Ing-Wen clearly stated that Taiwan is in line with the world and aims to achieve net zero transformation by 2050. In the past two years, Taiwan has proposed the planning for a net-zero emissions pathway and completed the Climate Change Response Act. We have incorporated the net-zero emissions goal by 2050 into law and provided clear regulations for climate governance, climate change adaptation, carbon pricing promotion strategies, and facilitating public participation. In response to concerns from all parties about when the details of subsequent investigations and carbon fee mechanisms will be released, Minister Chang also stated that the global response to climate change is very fast. For example, the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will be implemented in October this year, and the requirements for carbon reduction in supply chains are accelerating. Therefore, before the reorganization of the Ministry of Environment, it is necessary to establish the Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency to increase manpower and ensure that various branch laws of the Climate Change Response Act, carbon inventory, carbon fee collection, climate change adaptation, and other work can be promoted as scheduled. "Carbon fees are economical means rather than fiscal tools." Minister Chang explained that the carbon fee, which is of most concern to all parties, is collected to promote substantial carbon reduction rather than focus on the amount collected or even cause cost pass-through. the MOENV is currently planning accounting and charging mechanisms, scheduled to present a draft for discussion to the public in the second half of the year. The review committee will discuss the amount of carbon fee collection in the first half of next year. It will begin to be collected in the second half of the following year. This progress will be in line with the CBAM timeframe. For better preparation work and to foster smoother linkage with the “Climate Change Agency, Ministry of Environment,” the Preparatory Office has designated four sections: Comprehensive Planning Section, Emissions Management Section, Emissions Reduction Promotion Section, and Adaptation Resilience Section, with a total of 14 sub-sections. In addition to the 48 personnel transferred from the MOENV Office of Climate Change, the workforce will continue to be supplemented to 84 people. The director of the Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency, Tsai, Lin-Yi, stated that the primary work of the Preparatory Office is to draft supporting laws and regulations for the Climate Change Response Act, such as enforcing the carbon fee collection scheme, monitoring the promotion progress of periodic regulatory goals in all sectors, managing and evaluating the progress of all sector’s net-zero pathway, and preparing response measures for the upcoming CBAM by the Europe Union. The unveiling ceremony of the Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency (from left to right: Minister without Portfolio Lo Ping-Cheng, Secretary General Li Meng-Yen, Premier Chen Chien-Jen, EPA Minister Chang Tzi-Chin, Legislator Hung Sun-Han, Director of POCCA Tsai Lin-Yi) The unveiling ceremony of the Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency (from left to right: Minister without Portfolio Lo Ping-Cheng, Secretary General Li Meng-Yen, Premier Chen Chien-Jen, EPA Minister Chang Tzi-Chin, Legislator Hung Sun-Han, Director of POCCA Tsai Lin-Yi) Premier Chen Chien-Jen stated that the establishment of the Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency (POCCA) is a key to Taiwan's climate change action. Taiwan EPA Minister Chang Tzi-Chin stated that the establishment of the “Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency (the POCCA)” is to supplement the manpower required for urgent business and follow the preparatory work of the Climate Change Agency. Group photo of the unveiling ceremony of POCCA (the Preparatory Office of the Climate Change Agency)

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10Jan

The Revised Climate Change Response Act Passes Its Third Legislative Reading, Initiating the Implementation of Net-Zero Emissions

To enhance the response to climate change and achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the draft amendment to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (GHG Management Act) prepared by the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) (EPA), passed the third reading at the Legislative Yuan today (January 10) and was revised as the Climate Change Response Act. the MOENV expressed its special thanks to the Legislative Yuan President You Si-Kun, Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee convening member Lai Hui-Yuan, and members of various political parties for their joint support. Externally, the Act’s passage clearly shows Taiwan’s determination to move toward the goal of net-zero emissions. Internally, the Act builds a more resilient legal foundation for climate governance. The Climate Change Response Act, which passed the third reading, consists of 7 chapters and 63 articles, the main points of which are as follows: "2050 net-zero" is now law, establishing authority and responsibility among agencies The amendment to Article 4 of the Act precisely incorporated “greenhouse gas net-zero emissions by 2050” into law, ensuring that net-zero emissions is no longer an announced pledge, but a legal regulation to demonstrate the nation’s determination to implement it. In the future, the periodic regulatory goals will be gradually developed based on a five-year period approach, in line with international practice. Furthermore, since GHG reduction and climate change adaptation work involve numerous ministries and agencies, in Article 8 of the amendment, the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) of the Executive Yuan is specified as the coordinator, work delegator, and integrator of the fundamental national policy on tackling climate change. The article also stipulates NCSD’s role for coordinating inter-ministerial decisions. Moreover, the Act specifies the work authorities and responsibilities and designates the organizing and co-organizing agencies. Incorporating just transition, leaving no one behind Given the fact that promoting greenhouse gas reduction policies or measures may affect some communities, the amendment to the Act added that each central competent authority shall, depending on its scope of competence, consult with the communities affected by net-zero transition under the principle of respect for human rights and dignity of labor. In addition, each ministry and agency shall adopt an appropriate citizen participation mechanism to solicit public opinion, drafting and formulating the National Just Transition Action Plan (Plan). The amendment also added that the law should take into account the rights and interests of indigenous peoples, incorporating comprehensive, community-based and indigenous-based climate change adaptation policies and measures. The amendment also strengthened the mechanism of information disclosure and citizen participation. For instance, in the formulation process of periodic regulatory goals, information such as the date, location, and format of a public hearing shall be made public online 30 days prior to the date of the event, as well as publicized through government gazettes and newspapers or other appropriate channels. Moreover, the central competent authority, municipality or county (city) governments shall compile annual result reports on GHG reduction and climate change adaptation plans, which shall be made available to the public. Introducing carbon fee and planning diversified incentives Promoting the implementation of carbon pricing is a key strategy to reducing carbon emissions. Thus, the amendment included a carbon fee levied on emission sources. The revenues collected shall be dedicated for the following purposes: GHG reduction work, development of low-carbon and negative emissions technology and industries, and subsidies and incentives for investment in GHG reduction technology. As such, the measures shall facilitate GHG reduction and low-carbon economic development. The carbon fee collection target which achieves the specified goals through GHG reduction measures — including the switch to low-carbon fuel, adoption of negative emissions technology, advancement of energy efficiency, and improvement of production with the use of renewable energy — shall propose a voluntary reduction plan and are eligible to apply for discount rates upon approval. Additionally, the amendment encourages business entities to adopt voluntary reduction measures, the reduction credits obtained by which can be transferred, traded or auctioned. The amendment further included planning a diversified economic incentive mechanism as a complementary measure to support the carbon fee scheme, enabling business entities to accelerate GHG emissions reduction. Inclusion of climate adaptation, building a resilient Taiwan The amendment added a chapter on adaptation, so as to advance the nation’s fundamental ability to tackle climate change from the aspects of capacity building, aligning scientific research and scenario projection, and ensuring promotion framework. Meanwhile, connection between science and research is also strengthened, as the central competent authority and central science authority conduct climate change science and impact adaptation research development, publishing climate change science reports on a regular basis. With reference made from the above, governments at all levels can plan for early warning response mechanism and systematic monitoring measures. Moreover, a climate change adaptation promotion framework will be established as follows: The central competent authority formulates the “Action Plan for Adaptation in Areas of Responsibility,” the central competent authority integrates and drafts the “National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan,” and local governments establish the “Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan.” With the above framework, adaptation strategies are reinforced and tailored to the local context. By compiling annual accomplishment reports, publicizing of information and citizen participation procedure will be implemented. Climate Change is a challenge faced by the global community. On Earth Day April 22, 2022, President Tsai declared that “the 2050 net-zero transition is a goal of the world, as well as a goal of Taiwan.” On the same day, at the 3748th meeting of the Executive Yuan and again at the 33rd NCSD committee meeting on August 30, 2022, Premier Su of the Executive Yuan instructed the MOENV to amend the Act. The passage of this amendment signifies the administrative team’s determination to strive for a carbon-reduction policy agenda, in response to the accelerated carbon reduction trend in the international society. After the passage of the revised Act, the MOENV shall complete the regulations and related laws within six months, the regulations of which include amendments to the inventory registration procedures, management of verification service providers, carbon fee collection and rates, voluntary reduction plans, and voluntary reduction trading mechanisms. Relevant details will be discussed with all sectors at the earliest, while opinions shall be solicited from all sectors in accordance to the spirit of this amendment. Moving forward, the MOENV will convene meetings to explain the relevant regulations before formulating the related laws, allowing industries to fully understand the content of the amendment and future operation plannings, which will further facilitate sustainable development as the nation embarks on the path to net-zero goals.

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19Jul

EPA Minister Shares Taiwan's Environmental Experience at Our Ocean Conference in Palau

The seventh Our Ocean Conference (OOC) took place in Palau on 13-14 April 2022, with EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang attending as an envoy assigned by President Tsai and giving a speech in the session “Tackling Marine Pollution.” In addition to sharing Taiwan's environmental protection experience, Minister Chang suggested that other nations consider source reduction, circular economy, and the promotion of environmental education and citizen participation as ways to make the world’s oceans cleaner. Our Ocean Conference (OOC) Founded in 2014 by John Kerry, who is the current U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, the first Our Ocean Conference (OOC) was held in Washington, DC. Hosts in following years have included Chile, the EU, Indonesia, Norway, and others. Every OOC has seen the attendance of several heads of state and vice leaders, as well as representatives of government authorities in charge of environment, sustainability, or marine conservation. The 7th OOC, titled Our Ocean, Our People, Our Prosperity, focus on six areas of Action, including “Advancing Marine Protected Areas for Communities, Ecosystems, and Climate” “Tackling Marine Pollution” “Confronting the Ocean-Climate Crisis or Towards an Ocean Solution for Climate Change” “Creating Sustainable Blue Economies” “Advancing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture” and “Achieving a Safe, Just and Secure Ocean”. The Republic of Palau and the United States opened the 7th OOC on April 13, 2022, marking the first time this event held in a small island developing state (SIDS). Joint Taiwan-Palau efforts lead to EPA Minister’s attendance at the OOC, a first by a government representative from Taiwan The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) pointed out that due to the Republic of Palau’s highly valued close diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. had particularly invited President Tsai Ing-wen to visit his country and attend the seventh OOC, a major event that Palau has always attended. In response to President Whipps’ invitation, President Tsai appointed EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang to visit Palau and attend the event as an official representative of Taiwan. He was to share on the global stage Taiwan’s contributions to the marine environment and sustainable development as a responsible member of the Pacific region. President Whipps met with the Taiwan delegation led by Minister Chang, and stated that as Pacific island states, both Taiwan and Palau have always been highly devoted to marine preservation and sustainable development, and together they work on creating a bright future for the entire Pacific region. He especially stressed the close diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau, hoping to continuously strengthen such a friendship. EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang (second from the right) delivered a letter of credence to Palau President Whipps (second from the left) and attended the OOC as a Special Presidential Envoy. (Source: MOFA) Minister Chang shares Taiwan’s experience and achievements in tackling marine pollution In the session “Tackling Marine Pollution,” Minister Chang delivered a speech on relevant issues, which was a major breakthrough in the elevation of Taiwan’s participation in international marine activities. His presence at this event raised Taiwan’s status and image in global marine conservation efforts. In his speech, Minister Chang pointed out that Taiwan, like Palau, is an island nation with beautiful coastlines and rich biodiversity. Taiwan is also facing the problem of marine pollution. The solution is: cut waste at the source and prevent it from entering the ocean. In 1997, Taiwan started a nationwide waste recycling program. Over the years, the recycling rate has gradually increased. Currently, the recycling rate is more than 60%, and the recycling rate for PET bottles has surpassed 90%. Most of the remaining waste is sent to incinerators to generate electricity. Despite these efforts, however, some wastes still end up on the land and in the ocean.

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Water Quality Protection Policy

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River water improvement percentage

2023-12-31

Husbandry Excrement Resources

2024-03-31

Create a water accessible environment

2024-03-31

Drinking water quality

2023-12-31

River water improvement percentage

2023-12-31

2,934 kilometers

Length of 50 rivers

3.3 %

Length of river reaches which are seriously polluted

To improve water quality, the MOENV has established 303 water quality monitoring stations at all rivers and their branches around Taiwan, so as to understand the water quality. The length of river reaches which are seriously polluted has decreased from 386.2 kilometers in 2001 (13.2% of the total length) down to 97.1 kilometers in 2023 (3.3% of the total length).

Husbandry Excrement Resources

2024-03-31

3,807 vendors

Established processing facilities for livestock manure

30,204 MT/day

Irrigation amount of processed livestock manure

The MOENV encourages the local governments to promote the establishment of processing facilities for livestock manure and collect and transport livestock manure from other farms. As of March 2024, 3,807 vendors have filed for the application, and the daily irrigation amount of processed livestock manure has reached 30,204 metric tons.

Create a water accessible environment

2024-03-31

69.2 hectare

Water accessible environment

264,503m/day

Water quality purification (equivalent to the amount of water of 106 standard Olympic-sized pool holds)

Regarding the onsite treatment for river water quality purification, as of the date of survey, 79 water quality improvement projects have been conducted, and the daily processing amount for polluted water improvement has reached 264,503 CMD.

Drinking water quality

2023-12-31

99.9 %

Qualified inspection of drinking water

386,393 hectare

Areas within a certain distance from a drinking water intake point

The government has announced 86 drinking water source quality protection areas and 49 areas within a certain distance from a drinking water intake point. The total area is 386,393 hectares, which account for 10.72% of Taiwan’s total area.

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