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Tainan's Zhuxi River cleanup nears completion, transforming into ecological haven

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Tainan's Zhuxi River, once notorious for pollution, is transforming into an ecological recreational spot after years of cleanup efforts.
  • A second phase of water purification is underway, costing 460 million NT dollars, to intercept remaining domestic sewage and further improve water quality.
  • The project aims to enhance the riverfront with native trees, improved lighting, and public facilities, creating a space for recreation, ecological observation, and environmental education.

Tainan's Zhuxi River, once derided as a "stinky ditch," is undergoing a significant transformation into a popular ecological leisure destination. Years of dedicated cleanup efforts, including sewage interception and bank improvements, have already turned the waterway into a favored spot for walking, jogging, and birdwatching.

The Zhuxi River water quality purification plant's second phase project began last year, with current progress at about 16%. The pre-treatment unit has reached the basement roof slab, and work on the sedimentation tank and discharge unit is underway, with completion expected in August 2027.

— Tainan City Water Resources BureauDescribing the progress and timeline of the second phase of the water purification project.

The second phase of the Zhuxi River water purification project, initiated last year, is currently about 16% complete. This crucial stage involves constructing a new purification facility with an additional daily processing capacity of 25,000 tons of sewage. This will intercept the remaining domestic wastewater that still flows into the main river, further enhancing water quality downstream of Zhuxi Bridge.

Funded by 460 million NT dollars from the Environmental Protection Administration, the project also includes landscape enhancements and public facilities. Plans feature the planting of native Taiwanese trees like Celtis sinensis, Sapindus mukorossi, and Aphananthe aspera, creating a more comfortable green space. For nighttime use, the park will incorporate landscape lighting designed to minimize ecological impact while ensuring public safety.

Currently, about 47,000 tons of domestic sewage are intercepted daily along the Zhuxi River. Of this, 22,000 tons are treated at the first phase water purification plant, while another 25,000 tons of sewage still flow into the main stream of Zhuxi River.

— Tainan City Water Resources BureauExplaining the current sewage interception and treatment capacity before the second phase.

This ongoing development aims to solidify Zhuxi River's status as a vibrant urban waterfront, balancing ecological preservation with recreational opportunities. The purification plant also serves as an educational site, hosting school visits for water quality testing and ecological observation, promoting environmental awareness among the community.

To address this gap, the Environmental Protection Administration has approved subsidies of 460 million NT dollars to build the second phase water purification plant at the former municipal shooting range. It will have an additional daily processing capacity of 25,000 tons.

— Tainan City Water Resources BureauDetailing the funding and capacity of the second phase project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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