Technological monitoring of water quality significantly improves Tainan's river environment

Tainan's environmental bureau has achieved substantial improvements in river water quality through the strategic deployment of technological monitoring systems. This initiative has led to a marked decrease in pollution levels across several major rivers in the region.

Mobile water quality sensors have been installed in key rivers, including the Jiangjun, Zengwen, Sanye, Erren, Yanshui, and Qigu streams. These sensors provide real-time data on water quality, enabling the bureau to adjust its pollution source inspections and frequency, thereby enhancing pollution early warning and enforcement efficiency. As a result, the Bazhang and Zengwen rivers are now free of severe pollution. Additionally, the length of severely polluted sections in the Jishui, Jiangjun, Yanshui, and Erren rivers has decreased by approximately 40% to 70% compared to 2018 figures.

The city government has also intensified its oversight of industrial and sewage systems, conducting over 40,740 inspections in the past eight years. This has led to 2,070 cases being penalized, with fines exceeding NT$288 million, effectively curbing polluting activities through strict enforcement and continuous supervision.

Furthermore, river patrols and water environment maintenance efforts are supported by a dedicated team of nearly a thousand environmental volunteers organized into 43 teams. As of May 31, 2026, these volunteers have reported 1,156 cases of environmental blight and 203 cases of water quality abnormalities. Their assistance has been crucial in identifying 48 water pollution cases, significantly improving the response efficiency to environmental anomalies.