To ensure the drinking-water safety of school children, the Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) of Taichung City Government checked all the drinking water dispensers in 364 in primary and secondary schools in early September 2013. The EPB inspectors took 364 water samples from the drinking water dispensers to test for coliform, whose test results showed that the water quality in every primary and secondary school in Taichung City meets the drinking water standards.

In accordance with article 12 of Drinking Water Management Act and Articles 6-2 and 7 of Regulations Governing the Use and Maintenance of Continuous Drinking Water Equipment, every school should check by itself or hire a professional agency to clean and maintain drinking water dispensers every month. The maintenance records should be attached next to the dispensers. The environmental inspection agencies certified by the central competent authority should be commissioned to test coliform every three months. Those failing to perform such duties shall be punished with a fine between NT$ 10,000 and NT$ 100,000 according to Article 23 of Drinking Water Management Act. Moreover, if tap water is not used by a dispenser, the water should be sampled and tested for nitrate and arsenic every three months. It is to ensure the quality and safety of drinking water, said the EPB.

The EPB always asks every school to strengthen maintenance of drinking water dispensers before and after summer and winter vacations. It also performs investigation and interdiction in the hope that the regular inspection and sampling and testing work can enhance the drinking water safety for school children.