In river management, the Water Resource Bureau, Taichung City Government not only balances flood safety, water quality improvement, and ecological restoration, but also builds a collaboration mechanism among industry, government, and academia. Working with local colleges and universities in Taichung, the Bureau promotes the “One University, One River” program, turning waterfront spaces into venues for environmental education. This year, the program won the Grand Prize at the “2026 IASE Impact Innovation Award”. Among these efforts, the “Water Environment Improvement Project for the NCHU Section of Green River” serves as a demonstration site for environmental sustainability. The project removed the original campus wall of National Chung Hsing University and replaced it with sculptural seating, opening the boundary between the campus and the riverbank. The expanded green leisure space has been well received by residents.
Water Resource Bureau Director Shih-I Fan said river management is not only about engineering works. It must also be paired with follow-up maintenance, management, and local participation to create long-term benefits. To carry forward the results of water environment improvements, the City Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2021 with National Chung Hsing University (Green River), National Taichung University of Education (Liu River), Feng Chia University (Huilai Creek water system), and Tunghai University (Dongda Creek). By sharing the results of water environment construction and combining them with University Social Responsibility (USR) practices, the City encourages schools to take part in river environmental education, course teaching, environmental surveys, ecological monitoring, volunteer patrols, community participation, and other actions.
Since the NCHU Section of Green River in Taichung City (from Xuefu Road to Zhongming South Road) was completed and opened in 2020, domestic wastewater along the riverbanks has been intercepted and purified on site while flood safety is maintained. The project has added 12,000 metric tons of wastewater treatment capacity per day, greatly reducing the river odors of the past. Through landscape design and spatial renewal, the project has also received repeated recognition in various competitions.
The Water Resource Bureau noted that the “One University, One River” program turns improved river environments into sites for teaching and practice, deepening the connection between University Social Responsibility and water environment governance. It extends the results of engineering works from physical infrastructure to environmental education, community participation, and sustainable maintenance. This year, the program won the Grand Prize in the A-3 “Sustainable Living & Transition” category at the “2026 IASE Impact Innovation Award”. The City Government will continue deepening water environment governance, while advancing disaster resilience, ecological value, and sustainable quality of life. (8/21*10)*Water Resources Bureau
Contact: Water Resources Bureau of Taichung City Government
Contact No.: 04-22289111