Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

According to the Taipei Hydraulic Engineering Office (THEO), three river surface clean-ups and dredgings have been completed at the Wufangang River in Beitou this year to maintain drainage safety. In addition to dominant aquatic plants, such as water cabbage (Pistia stratiotes), and tree branches that may affect drainage safety lodging from the channel to the river surface are also cleaned up to restore the natural look of the Wufangang River.

According to the Stormwater Drainage Management Section (SDMS) of THEO, water contamination and overgrown exotic plants are a common problem in rivers running through urban areas. Dominant exotic plants not only affect the flow of water bodies, but also clog the watercourse doing harm to drainage safety, and even deteriorating water quality. As water quality and drainage safety are important issues, THEO has been increasing the frequency of channel clean-up to address these issues.

According to the Northern Management Station of SDMS, two surface clean-ups were implemented on the Wufangang River this April and September respectively. They included the removal of dominant aquatic plants, such as water cabbage (Pistia stratiotes), and tree branches that may affect drainage safety lodging from the channel to the river surface. The third clean-up will be implemented in late December to maintain the natural look and drainage safety of the Wufangang River.

The Wufangang River located in Zhoumei area in Guandu in Beitou District was originally the old river course where the Shuanxi River flows into the Keelung River. Trees on both banks are verdant. To match the original charm of the channel, a plank trial is built along the bank from the weir upstream to Zhoumei Street downstream. The waterfront scene featuring the blue sky and green water on the one side, and the pastoral scene formed by waving rice stalks on the other side form a rare natural view in the urban area. It is also a secret sight of the locals. The weir supplies water for irrigating the last field in Taipei City. The irrigation channel allows people to understand the history of agricultural development in Beitou and is an ideal venue for environmental education.

In addition to beautifying the city’s appearance, THEO improves the Wufangang River to provide more opportunities for residents to enjoy nature. In the future, THEO will continue to maintain the Wufangang River to turn this verdant spot into a place for people to enjoy leisure on holidays.