The coexistence of drought and flood has become a new climate pattern. The Taichung City Government has taken proactive measures to ensure effective flood prevention and drought resistance. At today’s municipal meeting, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen pointed out that, since taking office, she has actively enhanced the construction of various water infrastructure, leading to a reduction in large-scale floods in Taichung in recent years. She cited the heavy rainfall event on April 20 as example, the accumulated rainwater was drained within just a few hours, demonstrating the effectiveness of water management. Mayor Lu emphasized that, in the face of global warming, the city government has invested resources not only in establishing water reclamation centers, but also in actively carrying out household-to-sewer connection projects. This ensures a proper disposal solution for continuously produced household wastewater. The Water Resources Bureau that works tirelessly to promote invisible infrastructure, is a "unsung hero".
Today, the Water Resources Bureau presented a special report titled “2023 Taichung City Flood Prevention and Drought Resistance Preparation Report”. Mayor Lu stated that, in the past, people often witnessed flooding during their childhood. However, in the past two to three years, the number of households affected by flooding caused by 24-hour accumulated rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters has not exceeded 50, and the affected area has become smaller. Mayor Lu said that the city government will invest resources in water management and urge relevant departments and district offices to enhance regular dredging. Additionally, pumping stations, gates, and other facilities should undergo regular maintenance and inspections to prevent them from becoming dysfunctional during disasters, effectively avoiding man-made disasters.


Mayor Lu also stated that the Taichung City Government's Water Resources Bureau has been active in carrying out household-to-sewer connection projects. Faced with increasingly frequent droughts, the Bureau should consider how to improve water resource reuse. For example, Taichung City has established multiple water reclamation centers that are open to the public to accessing free water for irrigation. Mayor Lu emphasized that neither the central government nor the local governments install recycled water pipelines in th past. However, after years of consideration, it is now recognized as the most effective way to distribute recycled water.

Today, Director of the Water Resources Bureau Fan Shi-yi provided explanations on drainage improvement projects, flood-prone areas in the stormwater system, and disaster prevention measures in hilly areas. He pointed out that, based on the daily rainfall data from April 2013 to the present year, April 20 of this year recorded the highest daily rainfall in history, equivalent to the total monthly rainfall occurring in a single day. In conjunction with short-duration heavy rainfall, soil erosion in hilly areas has become increasingly severe. The coexistence of drought and floods has become a serious issue frequently faced by everyone.

Director Fan mentioned that the city government has actively managed flood-prone areas by launching various projects. These include the drainage improvement project of the Nanshan interceptor ditch; Anliang Harbor; the Ruanpizi Creek drainage and management engineering project; and the riverside improvement engineering project of Zhongxing dike (from Dawei Road to Xiandai Road). Additionally, the city government has gradually addressed flood-prone locations by improving regional drainage and stormwater sewer systems in various flood-prone locations; and has taken preemptive measures to inventory and inspect flood control materials, including 20,000 sandbags, 643 flood control blocks, and 448 flood barriers. The city government has also deployed 16 large-scale pumping stations in advance, conducted inspections of 86 water gates (monthly during non-flood periods and biweekly during flood periods), and organized inspections of 22 detention basins. Moreover, it has cleared 60 kilometers of urban drainage and stormwater sewer systems to ensure their flood-carrying capacity.

Regarding smart flood prevention, Director Fan mentioned that they have obtained on-site real-time data and live video feeds, utilized LINE notifications, and established 172 flood sensors. Furthermore, the city government has not only conducted advanced deployments and preparedness through 17 large-scale military exercises, but also engaged with local communities from time to time to enhance people’s awareness of self-disaster prevention. In 2022, Taichung City was even recognized as an outstanding county/city in the national self-disaster prevention community assessment for water hazards. By cultivating community awareness of water hazards, Taichung City aims to enhance the community's self-capacity in disaster response.

In terms of drought resistance, Taichung has 11 water reclamation centers to provide water resoruces for street watering and irrigation of parks and green areas. From last February to this February, the cumulative usage of reclaimed water amounted to a saving of 2.9 million metric tons of tap water. Citizens can bring their own containers to obtain free reclaimed water. Taichung City’s "Futian" and "Shuitan" reclaimed water projects have also made progress and reached a consensus, with water supply contracts were signed in 2020 and 2021, respectively. These projects are currently being implemented to truly achieve the sustainable use of water resources and the goal of “using each drop of water at least twice!” Additionally, the city government has cooperated with the central government in establishing emergency drought wells to ensure a flexible allocation of water resources during drought periods. Director Fan emphasized, "Drought and flood prevention go hand in hand is becoming a new climate pattern in the future!" Making early preparations; continuously strengthening flood prevention preparedness and maintenance; ensuring smooth drainage throughout the city; enhancing technological disaster prevention measures, including AI and smart flood prevention networks; and continuously seeking financing support from the central government will greatly enhance Taichung's smart city capabilities in flood prevention.
(5/2*17)* Water Resources Bureau)
Contact: Taichung City Government
Phone: 04-22289111