In response to media reports claiming that the city government’s efforts to save electricity and maintenance costs have led to deterioration of the Green River landscape, worsening water quality, and fewer visitors, the Water Resources Bureau of Taichung City Government stated that the core goals of Green River management have always been to improve water quality, strengthen flood control capacity, restore the vitality of the river, and create a sustainable water environment. The city government has always promoted river management based on the principles of sustainable development and environmental friendliness, rather than maintaining artificial landscape effects through the long-term consumption of large amounts of energy and water resources. The reports differ from the actual direction of river management.
Shih-I Fan, Director-General of the Water Resources Bureau, said that Green River has gradually transformed from a heavily polluted urban drainage channel into an important urban waterfront space that combines ecological, landscape, and recreational functions. In recent years, the city government has reviewed the operation of certain landscape facilities and reduced the frequency of unnecessary water diversion and pumping operations. The main consideration is that groundwater is a precious resource and should be prioritized for public and emergency use. This adjustment is a professional decision based on energy conservation, carbon reduction, sustainable use of water resources, and environmental management principles, not simply a cost-saving measure as claimed by some outside parties.
Regarding the reports mentioning moss growth in the river channel and worsening water quality, the Water Resources Bureau explained that the growth of algae and aquatic plants is a common ecological phenomenon in natural rivers and does not equate to river pollution or deteriorating water quality. The city government continues to conduct river inspections, water quality monitoring, environmental cleaning, and facility maintenance, while adjusting management measures on a rolling basis according to seasonal and environmental conditions to maintain the overall quality of the river environment and ecological stability.
The Water Resources Bureau emphasized that Green River improvement efforts have never stopped. In recent years, the city government has continued to promote four major projects, including Phase 2 and Phase 3 Green River improvement works, waterfront environment optimization, sewage interception, and blue-green corridor development, gradually creating an urban waterfront space that combines flood resilience, ecological environment, and quality of life. Looking ahead, the city government will continue to promote water environment projects based on professional management and sustainable development principles, making Green River a living river shared by residents and a source of pride for the city.
(6/1*6)*Water Resources Bureau
Contact: Water Resources Bureau, Taichung City Government
Contact No.: 04-22289111