The Urban Development, Construction and Water Resources Committee of the Taichung City Council visited the Xinguang Water Resources Recycling Center in Taiping District today (May 8) to learn about sewage treatment processes, water resource recycling, and the results of opening the facility to the public. The committee also toured the “Black Water Cafe”, which combines environmental education with public leisure functions, witnessing how a traditional sewage treatment facility has been transformed into a public space that integrates ecology, education, and recreation.
Shih-I Fan, Director-General of the Water Resources Bureau, said the Xinguang Water Resources Recycling Center breaks away from the enclosed design of traditional sewage treatment plants by introducing landscape and public space concepts. The center adopts a “wall-removal” design, replacing high walls with water channels and green belts around the plant, and connecting the site with Xiangshun Sports Park to create an open venue. Existing old banyan trees were also preserved, and a rooftop garden was installed, allowing the sewage treatment facility to blend naturally with its surroundings and encouraging residents to get closer to and make use of the space.
Chih-Chang Shih, convener of the Urban Development, Construction and Water Resources Committee, thanked the city government team for its dedication to promoting water resource recycling and environmental improvement projects. He said the visit not only provided a deeper understanding of how sewage treatment facilities operate, but also showed the city government’s efforts to transform infrastructure by integrating it with environmental education and public space, which deserve recognition.
The Water Resources Bureau added that, in addition to stable sewage treatment, the Xinguang Water Resources Recycling Center has continued to promote the recycling and reuse of discharged water, supplying it for irrigation within the plant area and nearby parks while also making it available for residents. These efforts put water resource recycling into practice. The improved water environment has also attracted fireflies, dragonflies, and migratory birds, demonstrating the results of ecological coexistence. The “Xinguang Black Water Cafe” introduced in the park combines food and beverage services, environmental education, and arts and cultural exhibition functions, transforming the sewage treatment facility into a public venue that offers both education and recreation.
The Water Resources Bureau said it will continue to refine sewage treatment efficiency while promoting site opening and environmental education, creating a sustainable water environment that integrates public services, water resource recycling, and quality of life.
The visit was led by Chih-Chang Shih, convener of the Urban Development, Construction and Water Resources Committee, and Chia-Tien Huang, deputy convener. Taichung City Councilors Fen-Yu Chang, Wen-Cheng Chen, Pei-Yun Wu, Ai-Shan Chiu, and Meng-Ling Lin attended the visit, while Councilors Pei-Han Lin, Chi-Feng Lin, and Ting-Hsiu Chen were represented by staff from their service offices. Chun-Pin Fan, senior executive officer of the Taichung City Council, also joined the visit. The city government delegation included Shih-I Fan, Director-General of the Water Resources Bureau; Ta-Tien Chen, Director-General of the Construction Bureau; Cheng-Wei Li, Director-General of the Urban Development Bureau; and Po-Hung Chen, District Chief of Taiping District Office, who received the guests and exchanged views on related construction and water environment issues.
(5/8*6)*Water Resources Bureau
Contact: Water Resources Bureau, Taichung City Government
Contact No.: 04-22289111