Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Mayor Hau Lung-bin joined the Minister of Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) Shen Shu-hung and entertainers Vic Chou and Jam Hsiao at a public event marking the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The event took place at the Keelung River’s Meiti Riverside Park on April 18.
The dignitaries on the stage pledged to bear the responsibility of protecting the rivers and treasuring our planet.
According to Minister Shan, Tamsui River’s water quality has shown substantial improvement over the years. The section of the river found to be heavily-polluted has been reduced from 21 percent in 1992 to 6.7 percent today. This means the authorities have been successful in reducing the contaminated area of the river by two-third.
In addition, the areas of the river where water quality has reached an acceptable level increased from 13 percent to 46 percent.
Mayor Hau attributed the success of Tamsui River’s cleansing to the collaboration among EPA, Taipei City Government, Taipei County Government, and environmental protection groups. He pointed out that the water quality of Tamsui River and Keelung River reached a record level – the best in the past three decades.
He also stressed that the city government will implement measures to transform the waterfront into the city’s most developed district. Measures include the expansion of the sewage systems, cooperation with non-government organizations in promotion campaigns, and encouragement of public involvement in the riverbank patrols.