A Message from the Director-General
Water management is an ancient practice of human civilization. However, the challenges of our modern era require innovative techniques and technologies in addition to established traditional practices to adapt to a changing future. In particular, we must transform our approach to water and flood management by developing new concepts around the core goal of adaptation, and reimagining our relationship with water using nature-based practices. Only by acting in harmony with nature can we break free from traditional water management approaches and advance toward a future of sustainable development.
After years of effort, in 2023, the Water Resources Agency (WRA) completed the Tainan Sanye River Drainage Management Project three years ahead of the initially anticipated 7-year project timeline. In the same year, the Shiniu River Basin Management Project was also completed, significantly reducing flood risks in the area while safeguarding the lives and property of local residents. In addition, after facing severe drought challenges in Southern Taiwan since 2022, the WRA has proactively implemented a number of drought prevention measures. These include proactively preparing and activating backup water sources such as hyporheic zone groundwater, drought resistant wells, and regional water distribution. In addition, diverse water sources have been developed and employed including the use of mobile water purification units, construction site water, emergency seawater desalination units, reclaimed water plant capacity expansions, and artificial rainfall. Not only do these efforts ensure stable water supply in the drought-prone South, they also demonstrate the WRA’s ability to rapidly respond in the face of extreme weather events in a changing climate.
Additionally, the WRA continues its work on dredging projects at 20 reservoirs, weirs, and dams, already dredging a total of 18.9 million cubic meters of sediment. The Shimen Reservoir Amuping Desilting Tunnel Project which officially began operations in September, 2023 is one of the WRA’s exemplary cases in reservoir maintenance. Not only does the Desilting Tunnel increase yearly siltation prevention, it also significantly increases the reservoir’s flood discharge capacity.
Further to our work in the construction and management of water resource infrastructure, the WRA has also made strides in the innovative use of water resource technology and smart management, achieving impressive results in the utilization of smart technologies to strengthen disaster prevention and response. One example of such efforts is the widespread installation of flood detection sensors and the collection of video data in order to effectively monitor water accumulation and flooding, utilizing AI technology to provide real-time flood warnings. These efforts further enhance the efficacy of disaster response during flood seasons and build up water management resiliency.
Looking toward the future, the WRA will continue our dedication to improving administrative efficiency, integrating technological advances, and enhancing flexibility and resilience to meet the challenges of an extreme climate. The WRA will bravely confront difficulties head on while working hard to seize opportunities for development, charting an innovative vision and strategic blueprint for the future of water resource management. By strengthening the sustainable resilience of Taiwan’s water environment, the WRA aims to create a harmonious and thriving ecosystem where Taiwan’s people, land, and natural ecosystems can coexist.
Key Events of 2023
January
January 14th Completion Ceremony for the Dahukou River Remediation Project
Upon the completion of the Dahukou River Remediation Project, a completion ceremony was held beside the Nanshi Bridge on the Dahukou River, presided over by Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-Hsin Lai. Water Resources Agency Deputy Director-General Yi-feng Wang, Chief Project Engineer Yuan-peng Lin, the team at the Fifth River Management Branch as well as Legislator Liu Chien-kuo, local representatives, local community leaders and partnering contractors also attended the ceremony.
February
February 2nd Water Consumption Levy Introduced to Encourage Industrial Water Conservation and Promote Water Usage Equity
On May 25th, 2016, Article 84-1 was added to the Water Act (the legal basis for the water consumption levy). The Article states that “To ensure the effective and sustainable use of water resources, the central authority-in-charge may impose a water conservation charge on users whose water usage exceeds a specified amount. However, those who have effectively implemented water-saving measures may be eligible for a reduction of up to 60% of the levy.” After several years of communication with industry representatives, “Measures for Water Consumption Levy” were announced on January 6th, 2023 and levy collection began on February 1st. This image shows RO wastewater recycling equipment used as an industrial water-saving measure.
Feburary 6th Completion Ceremony for the Sanye River Midstream and Downstream Management Project
To mark the completion of the Sanye River Midstream and Downstream Remediation Management Project, Premier Chien-jen Chen, Secretary-General Meng-yen Li, Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-hua Wang, Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Joint Services Center Chief Executive Ken-wei Hsu, as well as Legislators Ting-yu Wang, Ting-fei Chen, Chun-hsien Lin, and Kuo-wen Kuo were all present at the ceremony. Tainan City Mayor Wei-che Huang as well as Tainan City council members, district directors, village leaders and local residents also took part in the event to celebrate the project’s completion.
March
March 18th Taiwan’s Premier Inspects Weirs and Dams along the Dajia River, Monitoring the Water Situation in Central Taiwan
Premier Chien-jen Chen was accompanied by Taichung City Mayor Shiow-yen Lu, Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-hua Wang, and Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai to visit the Ma’an Dam to inspect the operations and water resource conditions of the series of weirs and dams along the Dajia River. Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Chi-chang Tsai and Legislator Chi-chen Chiang also participated in the inspection visit. Premier Chen commended the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Water Resource officials on their efforts to proactively implement drought-prevention measures and also reminded them of the importance of vigilance in responding to the challenges of climate change, paying close attention to the water resource conditions, strengthening coordination of water conservation measures, and devoting all efforts to extend reservoir lifespans and their ability to supply water in the future, thereby ensuring water stability for the people of central Taiwan.
April
April 21st Shimen Reservoir Amuping Anti-Siltation Tunnel Project Completed: a Major Achievement of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program
President Ing-wen Tsai was accompanied by Taoyuan City Mayor San-Cheng Chang, Premier Chien-jen Chen, Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-hua Wang, and Legislators Cheng-yu Chao, Shih-chieh Huang, Ying Chen, Yu-ling Lu, and Water Resource Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai in attending the Completion Ceremony for the Shimen Reservoir Amuping Desilting Tunnel Project. President Tsai commended the Water Resource Agency for their innovative thinking in developing the multi-functional Amuping Anti-Siltation Tunnel, which accelerates reservoir siltation dredging efforts and extends the reservoir’s lifespan. President Tsai also called for the accelerated promotion of water resource projects such as the pipeline project to connect the Shimen Reservoir to Hsinchu County to enhance the stability and resiliency of water resource management in Northern Taiwan.
May
May 6th Premier Inspects the Su’ao River Flood Diversion Project which Reduces Flood Risks in Su’ao
In order to accelerate efforts to alleviate flooding in the Su’ao region, Premier Chien-jen Chen traveled to inspect the Su’ao River Flood Diversion Project in the company of Vice-Premier Wen-tsan Cheng, Ministers without Portfolio Bing-cheng Luo and Tze-cheng Wu, Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-hua Wang, as well as Water Resource Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai, and Yilan County Magistrate Zi-miao Lin. This project is the second Flood Diversion Project promoted in Taiwan after the Yuanshanzi Flood Diversion Project.
May 18th Kaohsiung Emergency Seawater Desalination Unit Provides Water On Schedule, President Tsai Thanks Staff for their Hard Work
President Ing-Wen Tsai inspects the emergency seawater desalination unit located next to Kaohsiung’s Hsinta Power Plant in the company of Kaohsiung City Mayor Chi-mai Chen, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Wen-sheng Tseng, Legislator Chih-wei Chiu, Water Resource Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai and Taiwan Water Corporation Chairperson Nan-tzer Hu. President Tsai thanked all of the staff for their hard work in ensuring that the desalination unit began operations on schedule to provide stable supply of water in Southern Taiwan.
May 19th Vice President Lai Inspects the Baoshan Second Reservoir, Commends the Development of Infrastructure to Fulfill Water Needs of Residents and Industry in Hsinchu
Vice President Ching-te Lai traveled south to inspect the Baoshan Second Reservoir in the company of Hsinchu County Magistrate Wen-ke Yang, Hsinchu City Mayor Hung-an Kao, Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-hua Wang, Water Resource Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai, and Taiwan Water Corporation Chairperson Nan-tzer Hu. Vice President Lai commended the successes already demonstrated since the “Forward-looking Water Environment Infrastructure Development Program” was initiated in 2017 in providing stable water supplies for residents and industries in the Hsinchu region. Vice President Lai also called for the Ministry of Economic Affairs to continue accelerating their efforts in a variety of water resource infrastructure in order to adapt to the challenges climate change poses to water supply.
June
June 2nd “Water for All, Sustainability for All – 2023 National Awards Ceremony for Outstanding Contributions in Water Resources”
The Water Resource Agency held the “Water for All, Sustainability for All – 2023 National Awards Ceremony for Outstanding Contributions in Water Resources” at the Howard Civil Service International House Hall of Excellence. The ceremony honored Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Former President Jung-tsang Chen of the Taiwan Water Corporation. Additional honorees included 27 water resource staff from around Taiwan for their outstanding contributions, workforce awards for distinguished national waterworks personnel, outstanding organizations that have taken charge of green beautification projects along waterways, and an evaluation of community flood prevention efforts, including seed communities and top-performing cities and counties. President Ing-wen Tsai and Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-hua Wang were both in attendance to celebrate the event in the company of over 400 professionals from industry, government, and academia.
July
July 29th Water Resources Agency and Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League Jointly Promote Disaster Prevention and Drought Awareness
The Water Resources Agency collaborated with Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), organizing materials and content on disaster prevention and drought awareness to be promoted during the CPBL All-Star Game. The Water Resources Agency interacted with and educated baseball fans through information placed on baseball viewing guides, promotional videos, event slogans, stadium cheer sticks, a stadium booth, and adorable Water Resources Agency mascots. Fans who downloaded the Water Resources Agency Water Status Mobile App or joined the WRA’s Facebook page “Fans of Flood Prevention and Drought Resistance” during the event also received Water Resources Agency cheer sticks and Tunghsiao Power Plant popsicles.
August
August 16th Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Hushan Reservoir Environmental Education Center
Since the Hushan Reservoir began storing water in 2016, Yunlin County has had a source of high quality surface water, helping to reduce groundwater extraction and mitigate land subsidence, while also providing a beautiful outdoor environment for leisure activities. The Environmental Education Center for which construction commenced on August 16th as well as the newly completed Humanities and Ecology Center will include displays on local topics such as the Gukeng Dapingding Historical Site and promote environmental education, bringing a depth of humanities education value to the Hushan Reservoir.
September
September 6th Premier Travels to Ji’an Township in Hualien to Inspect Results of Forward-Looking Infrastructure Program
Premier Chien-jen Chen traveled to Ji’an Township in Hualien County to inspect the results of the Guanghua Drainage Management Project, where Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai gave him an on-site introduction. Funds for the Guanghua Drainage Canal were applied for by the Hualien County Government with the assistance of the Ninth Management Branch. The project will be completed in three stages and aims to spare the residents of Ji’an Township from hardships caused by flooding.
September 20th 2023 Taiwan International Water Week Commences Along with WRA-Organized “Taiwan Water Industry Pavilion”
In order to promote international exchange and collaboration around water resource management and technological innovations, as well as to promote water industry development in Taiwan, the Water Resources Agency invited 22 outstanding Taiwanese companies with expertise in finding solutions to co-organize the “Taiwan Water Industry Pavilion” as a part of the Taiwan International Water Week professional exhibition. The Pavilion demonstrated the newest trends and technologies in Taiwan’s water industry surrounding three exhibit themes: “Smart Water Management in Cities,” “Innovative Water Resources,” and “Sustainable Water Net-Zero.”
September 26th Water Resources Agency Organizational Restructuring
The WRA’s organizational restructuring officially went into effect on September 26th, 2023. After the restructuring, the organization’s internal units comprise of 9 Divisions and 5 Offices, with 15 regional branches. These units will all work together to promote water resource management in order to respond to climate change and other challenges.
October
October 19th Minister of Economic Affairs Inspects Daan-Dajia River Interconnection Pipeline Project
Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-hua Wang and Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Chi-chang Tsai traveled to Site No. 3 of the Dajia River Conveyance Pipeline, a part of the Daan-Dajia River Interconnection Pipeline Project, to participate in a ceremony marking the activation of the tunneling shield machine in the company of Water Resources Agency Deputy Director-General Yuan-peng Lin and Taiwan Water Corporation Chairperson Jia-rong Lee. Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-hua Wang expressed gratitude to local landowners for their understanding and cooperation and thanked the Central Region Water Resources Branch for their efforts to obtain the land and begin construction so swiftly, as well as their use of tunneling shield construction methods to reduce environmental impacts.
October 23rd to 25th Taiwan International Water Forum 2023
The Water Resources Agency held the Taiwan International Water Forum 2023 at the Kaohsiung Marriot Hotel, organizing one Water Leaders Summit and four international forums. 25 experts from Taiwan and around the world were invited to participate as hosts, speakers, or panelists. The 3-day event attracted 791 on-site and 1,055 online participants.
October 29th Premier Participates in Event to Mark the 50th Anniversary of the Zengwen Reservoir
Premier Chien-jen Chen, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Wen-sheng Tseng, Tainan Mayor Wei-che Huang, and Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai arrived at the Southern Region Water Resources Branch to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Zengwen Reservoir as well as to inspect the ongoing Zengwen-Nanhua Interconnection Pipeline Project. Premier Chen commended the Ministry of Economic Affairs for their efforts in the first half of 2023, using methods both new and old, such as increasing water conservation, finding more water sources, and improving water allocation, to provide stable water supply for residents and industries in Southern Taiwan. Premier Chen also called upon the Southern Region Water Resources Branch to proactively and efficiently complete the Zengwen-Nanhua Interconnection Pipeline Project in order to enhance backup water allocation supply in the Southern region.
November
November 8th The Water Resources Agency Honored with Award of Excellence at First Annual Integrity Awards, Demonstrating the Agency’s Spirit of Transparency and Integrity
The awards ceremony was held in the National Central Library International Conference Hall, where Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai received the Award of Excellence from Premier Chien-jen Chen. This award symbolizes the national-level recognition of the WRA’s efforts at managing water resources with transparency and integrity. The WRA will continue to integrate transparent governance in water resource management, creating a new chapter of public welfare, cross-sector innovation, and environmental sustainability.
November 14th President Ing-wen Tsai Inspects the Shiniu River Management Project
President Ing-wen Tsai listened to Ministry of Economic Affairs Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai’s report on “Achievements of the Shiniu River Management Project.” The project mainly comprised of the construction of new levees, raising existing levees, and dredging river channels, with a total of 21 project sites. To hasten the completion of the management project, the Water Resources Agency dispatched approximately 56,000 workers and 35,000 construction vehicles and machines to complete the project at the end of 2023, two years ahead of schedule, thereby ensuring the safety of local residents’ lives and properties.
November 24th The Water Resources Agency Honored with an Award of Excellence at the Public Construction Safety Golden Awards
At the “17th Annual Public Construction Safety Golden Awards for the Promotion of Occupational Safety and Health Excellence ceremony held by the Ministry of Labor, two of the WRA’s major water resource management projects received awards for excellence: The Dajia River Shigang Dam Downstream River Channel Stabilization and Energy Dissipation Improvement Project as well as the Zengwen-Nanhua Interconnection Pipeline Project A2 Contract.
December
December 1st The 2023 Disaster Prevention Review and Strategic Advancement Meeting
The Water Resources Agency held the 2023 Disaster Prevention Review and Strategic Advancement Meeting in order to review its work on flood prevention and mitigation as well as to discuss the challenges of extreme climate at the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation International Convention Center. CEO, Dr. Huang-hsiung Hsu of the Research Center for Environmental Changes at Academia Sinica and Administrator Chia-ping Cheng of the Central Weather Administration were invited to present at the meeting. In addition, Kaohsiung City Government Water Resources Bureau Deputy Director-General Chun-yuan Hsu and Tainan City Government Water Resources Bureau Chief Engineer Chien-yan Chiu were invited to share their experiences in local flood prevention.
December 18th President Ing-wen Tsai Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Shimen Reservoir to Hsinchu Interconnection Pipeline
President Ing-wen Tsai was accompanied by Hsinchu County Magistrate Wen-ke Yang, Taoyuan Secretary-General Jung-feng Chan, Hsinchu City Secretary-General Chih-Hsiang Chang, Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-hua Wang, Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai, and Taiwan Water Corporation Chairperson Jia-rong Lee, to participate in the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Shimen Reservoir to Hsinchu Interconnection Pipeline. The completion of this project will connect the Shimen Reservoir to the Baoshan First and Second Reservoir water supply systems, becoming the second back-up water supply pipeline from Taoyuan to Hsinchu. The pipeline will enhance water resource distribution and backup capacity, thereby increasing industry investor confidence, alleviating the issue of tap water shortages for residents along the pipeline and reducing threats of water pollution at the Guanxi Water Treatment Plant.
December 25th Shiniu River Management Project Completed Two Years Ahead of Schedule
The Shiniu River Management Project was completed two years ahead of schedule at the end of 2023. The Project Completion Ceremony was presided over by Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai. Legislator Chien-kuo Liu, local representatives, residents, as well as participating contractors were also in attendance for the ceremony.
December 26th Water Resources Agency Honored with 8 Awards at the 23rd Annual Public Construction Commission Golden Quality Awards Ceremony,At this year’s Public Construction Commission Golden Quality Awards, the Water Resources Agency was honored with one Supreme Award and three Excellence Awards in the Hydraulic Engineering Category. In the Public Facility Maintenance and Management Awards category, the Water Resources Agency received two Excellence Awards, one Honorable Mention Award, and one Individual Contribution Award. The awards ceremony was hosted by Tze-cheng Wu, Chairman of the Public Construction Commission. Premier Chien-jen Chen personally handed out the awards and Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai led the WRA’s award-winning team in participating in the ceremony and sharing in the honor of the award’s recognition.
December 27th Completion Ceremony for the Zengwen River Drainage Shi’erdian Flood Relief Box Culvert
The Zengwen River Drainage Shi’erdian Flood Relief Box Culvert was completed after three and a half years of construction, alleviating flooding issues in Tainan City’s Annan District. Executive Yuan Secretary-General Meng-yen Li, Water Resources Agency Director-General Chien-hsin Lai, Tainan Deputy Mayor Ching-hui Chao as well as Legislator Ting-fei Chen, City Council Members, village leaders and other local representatives attended the event to bear witness to the project’s completion together.