Water
environments

Date: 2023-03-31

To confront the challenges of climate change and address requirements related to flood prevention, water resources and water environments overall, the Executive Yuan has initiated a water environment infrastructure project under the umbrella of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. The project, which runs from September 2017 through August 2025, draws on the integrated resources of multiple ministries and agencies, and links together flood control measures, water purification infrastructure, new accessible water environments and new industries based on the circular economy of water. The project aims to produce reliable water supplies, reduce flooding, and create beautiful shore areas with high-quality spaces for public recreation.

Three pillars of the project

■ Reliable supply and sustainable environments: To increase regular and reserve water supplies, and improve the ability to adjust supplies when needed, the project will develop a diverse array of new water sources, and enhance the capacity and flexibility of the emergency water reserve system. Reservoir watershed restoration, together with dredging and silt removal, will be accelerated. To better serve households previously without access to public tap water, efforts will also be made to improve the quality of the water supply network and expand the use of smart technologies to manage water resources.

■ Flood control and prevention, resilient lands: Comprehensive improvement plans for river channels and regional drainage systems managed at the city or county level are being implemented. This includes flood prevention for flood-prone land and the construction of shore defenses, storm drains and agricultural run-off channels. The ability of urban areas to absorb and hold floodwaters, and the protection of aquaculture areas will also be enhanced.

■ Improved water quality and new water environments: By linking ecological conservation, improved water quality and the surrounding water environment—including interception stations to block contaminated water, better sewers and wastewater hardware, and decorative horticulture—the plan will bring noticeable improvements as well as the beautification of waterfront spaces.