Water Resource Agency expects Taiwan to reuse 65% of industrial wastewater by 2011

September 16, 2004

The Water Resource Agency (WRA) is encouraging Taiwan's industrial sector to boost its industrial wastewater reuse ratio, setting a goal of 65% reuse rate by 2011. Aside from the more obvious environmental benefits to come from the reuse of industrial wastewater, such as the lowering of industrial effluent discharges and reduction of excessive dependence on freshwater sources, there are also many economic benefits to be had. These include the creation of a stable, alternative water source to supplement existing freshwater sources and the origination of new business opportunities through the development and marketing of improved wastewater treatment technology.

Industrial wastewater treatment technology includes heavy metal filtration, fine membrane bio-filtration, bacterial sterilization and ultraviolet sterilization.

In 1991, the WRA and Environmental Protection Administration introduced policy aimed at encouraging industry to reduce effluent emissions and boost wastewater reuse ratios in order to facilitate the sustainable use of Taiwan's water resources. Taiwan's industrial wastewater reuse ratio stood at 34% in 1991, but had already climbed to 46% by 2001. Aiming to raise this rate top 65% by 2001, the WRA notes that advanced filtration and sterilization treatment technologies can make industrial wastewater fit even for human consumption.

The environmental protection industry is one of the industrial sectors receiving strong government support in Taiwan. The government provides a variety of investment incentives, including land, R&D and manufacturing subsidies. One of the prime examples of this policy direction is the development of the Environmental Science and Technology Park in southern Taiwan. Under the guidance of the EPA, the park is expected to become home to hundreds of environmentally-themed domestic and foreign manufacturers and R&D centers. While it's no longer surprising, it is nice to know there are opportunities to take care of the environment while you are taking care of business.

(Central News Agency)

E-mail this page.