Recently, the Water Resources Bureau of the Taichung City Government joined representatives from Japan's Asian Councils Forum (ACF) and Tunghai University students in a collaborative exchange hosted by the university. The three parties gathered on the Tunghai University campus, surrounded by the water environment, to discuss and exchange ideas on issues such as wastewater treatment and water resource recycling. The bureau highlighted that the Shuinan Trade and Economic Park boasts the country’s first community-based reclaimed water system. This system, designed to reuse each drop of water at least twice, has gained attention. Amid challenges from extreme weather, the Shuinan Water Resource Recycling Center serves as a reliable “mini-reservoir” for urban water reuse.

Director Fan Shih-i of the Water Resources Bureau highlighted the collaborative efforts between the city government and Tunghai University in enhancing the school's water environment through public-private partnerships. This time, they also jointly introduced Japan's ACF delegation to Taiwan's pioneering system that integrates wastewater, reclaimed water, and recycled water treatment and distribution. Since October, the Shuinan Water Resource Recycling Center has extended its services to supply reclaimed water not only to the Shuinan Trade and Economic Park but also to the Central Taiwan Science Park. As the first system of its kind in central Taiwan, it helps reduce water scarcity risks for high-tech industries while providing greater flexibility in water allocation for residential use.

Director Fan elaborated that that reclaimed water is characterized by stable volume and consistent quality. The Shuinan Water Resource Recycling Center employs AO-MBR (Anoxic/Oxic Membrane Bio-Reactor) to treat domestic wastewater, generating 4,000 tons of reclaimed water daily for the Trade and Economic Park and 10,000 tons for the Central Taiwan Science Park. In addition, by 2026, the Futian Reclaimed Water Project is expected to provide 58,000 tons of water daily to the Taichung Harbor Related Industrial Park. Looking ahead, it aims to supply 100,000 tons per day to the second phase of the Taichung Science Park of the Central Taiwan Science Park. This will bring the city's total daily reclaimed water supply to over 168,000 tons, alleviating increasing water resource challenges and achieving the goals of water resource revitalization and sustainability.

The Water Resources Bureau noted that Japanese representatives expressed strong interest in the applications of reclaimed water, methods for evaluating its benefits, and smart management models for construction and operations. During the exchange, Professor Chen Chiu-cheng of Tunghai University praised the city government’s work in improving the school’s water environment. These efforts have not only enhanced water quality and ecological health but have also positively impacted the campus landscape and security. He underscored the vital role of universities in protecting their local rivers. The discussion fostered vibrant interaction between the three parties, deepening their shared commitment to green environmental practices by leveraging their shared visions and experiences.