Taipei Water Department

The Taipei Water Department was honored with both Silver and Bronze awards at the 2024 Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards (TSAA), organized by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE). These accolades recognized the Taipei Water Department's initiatives for "Resilient Water Supply in Response to Extreme Climate" and "Enhanced Service for Expanded Higher Elevation Water Supply," respectively. On August 8th, Commissioner Fan Huan-ying of the Taipei Water Department proudly led the team to accept these prestigious awards. Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable progress, the Department continues to exemplify a service-oriented government by ensuring reliable and high-quality water supply to the residents of Taipei.

The Silver Award-winning project, "Resilient Water Supply in Response to Extreme Climate," tackles the increased challenges of climate-induced extreme weather events, including heightened turbidity in raw water sources. With the aim of enhancing water supply resilience, the Taipei Water Department launched the Feitsui Raw Water Supply Tunnel Project under this initiative, aligning with the core principle of "SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation." The project aims to maintain a secure and stable drinking water supply for the Greater Taipei area, crucial for daily life and industrial uses. The project utilized eco-friendly construction techniques, comprehensive environmental monitoring, and rigorous ecological evaluations, while fostering community engagement with local residents. During the construction phase, professional engineering associations, public institutions and schools, and environmental education volunteers were invited for visits and to engage in exchanges. When Typhoon Gaemi struck, the newly operational Feitsui Raw Water Supply Tunnel significantly mitigated water treatment risks and expenses, ensuring the security of water supply for over six million residents.

The Bronze Award-winning project, "Enhanced Service for Expanded Higher Elevation Water Supply," addresses the water service challenges in remote, elevated areas where municipal water pressure is often inadequate. In line with legal standards, the Department facilitated land acquisitions for pipelines and equipment, using public funds to extend the municipal water network to these higher elevation locales. From 1996 to 2023, this effort has improved water access for 1,946 households, together benefiting about 4,742 residents. Moreover, since 2014, the Department has upgraded water infrastructure in aging high-altitude communities in Taipei, enhancing service for 10 communities comprising 2,358 households and roughly 5,896 residents. Over the past three years, these upgrades have curtailed annual water losses by 73,071 tons, equating to a reduction of 3,967 kgCO2e emissions annually.

Organized by the TAISE, the TSAA celebrates the remarkable contributions of corporations, universities, hospitals, and local governments to environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic development, aligning with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. This year, the Department earned Silver and Bronze awards for its initiatives "Resilient Water Supply in Response to Extreme Climate" and "Enhanced Service for Expanded Higher Elevation Water Supply," respectively. Looking ahead, the Department remains steadfast in its commitment, continuously striving for excellence to guarantee that every tap water user in Taipei has access to high-quality and abundant water.