Since assuming office in 2019, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen has actively pushed forward an initiative to double the number of households connected to the sewage system. The effort has led to an increase of around 131,000 households as of February this year — the largest growth under any Taichung mayor — pushing the total number past 300,000. At a press conference held by the Water Resources Bureau today (17th), Mayor Lu thanked the bureau staff, local council members, village chiefs, and residents for their contributions and cooperation. Thanks to their support, this “unseen” infrastructure project has seen significant growth, helping transform Taichung into a more livable and happier city. Several village chiefs were also presented certificates of appreciation for their role in supporting household pipeline connection.
Mayor Lu noted that making the city more livable and enhancing sanitation are key missions for the city administration. Since the launch of the Household Pipeline Connection Doubling Project in 2019, 131,000 more households have been connected in Taichung—representing 43.7% of the city’s total. This marks the highest number of new connections under any Taichung mayor, with the city averaging over 20,000 new connections each year.
In the past six years, Taichung has achieved a 26% boost in its sewage treatment rate—the highest among Taiwan’s six municipalities. To encourage household pipeline connection and eliminate the use of septic tanks, the city government raised household subsidies last year, increasing the range from NT$48,000–90,000 to NT$65,000–150,000. This puts Taichung on par with Taipei in offering the highest subsidies among the six municipalities. The city government remains committed to improving residents’ quality of life.
The Water Resources Bureau noted that the city government is actively expanding sewage infrastructure in highly-populated areas like Futian, Shuinan, and Wenshan. At the same time, to bridge the urban-rural gap, sewer network and household pipeline connection projects are also underway in Fengyuan, Dali, Taiping, and coastal areas, which were formerly part of Taichung County. For residents in standalone houses, a NT$5,000 subsidy is available for septic tank removal. Those facing short-term financial challenges can also receive up to NT$5,000 in loan fee assistance. Additionally, low- and middle-low-income households are eligible for pipeline connection subsidies of up to NT$150,000. Through these measures, the city government aims to raise sewage connection rates and foster a cleaner, healthier urban environment.
The Water Resources Bureau added that in addition to encouraging sewage connections, the city government is also actively promoting water recycling and protecting clean water sources. A major restoration effort is underway to safeguard water quality along the Dajia River. So far, treatment facilities have been established in Lishan, Huanshan, and at Shigang Dam, with Guguan—set to launch this year—marking the final key site. Once completed, these facilities will allow for centralized domestic wastewater treatment, helping to greatly reduce pollution in the Dajia River area.
According to the Water Resources Bureau, since last October, the Shuinan Water Resource Recovery Center—the first facility of its kind in central Taiwan—has been supplying reclaimed water to the Central Taiwan Science Park. Meanwhile, the Futian Reclaimed Water Project is expected to be completed next year, with a daily reclaimed water supply of 58,000 tons—the highest in the country. It’s designed to ease water shortages for high-tech industries and enhance water supply flexibility for everyday use. To make the center more accessible and welcoming to the public, the city government has incorporated features like a café, playground, local park, and 3D murals, offering a fun and engaging space for residents of all ages.
Furthermore, the Water Resources Bureau is also making strong strides in environmental education and public engagement. In 2024, the Shigang Dam Water Resource Recovery Center earned the Excellence Award at the Ministry of Environment’s 9th National Environmental Education Awards. This was not only a first for any Taichung facility but also a national first for any water resource recovery center in Taiwan. The city government has also broken new ground by teaming up with universities and industry partners on a pioneering project that uses black soldier flies to treat sludge—Taiwan’s first such Industry-government-academia collaboration. The goal is to promote green economic development, reduce environmental pollution, and supporting sustainable ecological practices.
“The unseen infrastructure, the visible happiness of a city!” the Water Resources Bureau highlighted. Although sewage systems are underground, their impact on the city’s growth and environmental improvement is clear. From 2023 to 2027, the city government plans to invest around NT$7.1 billion, aiming to reach 350,000 connected households by 2027. Looking ahead, the city government will strive for central government backing to build the Wuri Water Resource Recovery Center, further enhancing sewage infrastructure and promoting a balanced urban and rural development. The city government also thanked citizens for their patience and cooperation, calling on everyone to join efforts in creating a more livable city for the future.
Today’s press conference was attended by Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen, Deputy Minister Dong Jian-Hong of the Ministry of the Interior, Deputy Director-General Yu Wang-Sheng of the National Land Management Agency, Deputy Director Shen Yi-Sheng of the Sewer Engineering Branch, city councilor members Chiu Ai-Shan, Chen Zheng-Xian, and Liu Shi-Zhou, along with Director Fan Shi-Yi of the Water Resources Bureau, Acting Director Lu Heng-Ning of the Land Administration Bureau, Director You Zhi-Xiang of the Sports Bureau, and Secretary-General Lian Zhao-Rong of the Rapid Transit System Bureau. Additionally, representatives from Legislator Liao Wei-Xiang and city council members Wu Qiong-Hua, Lin Hao-Yu, Zhu Nuan-Ying, Shen You-Lian, Lai Yi-Hhuang, Zhang Yan-Tong, Huang Xin-Hui, and Lin Pei-Han were present to offer their regards. (3/17*11)* Water Resources Bureau
Contact Person: Ms. Yeh, Water Resources Bureau, Taichung City Government
Contact Number: 22289111 ext. 53852