Understanding the Community | Exploring Water Resources and Environmental Conditions in Fuxing District

Changes in water clarity and turbidity are easy to notice. Contamination by microorganisms and microplastics, however, often requires testing to be understood. In this seminar, Professor Po-Hsun Lin of the Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering at National Central University shared his team’s experiences in water quality surveys, pollution monitoring, and environmental education in Fuxing District, exploring both the “visible” and the “invisible” issues in aquatic environments.

Fuxing District in Taoyuan City lies within an important part of the Shihmen Reservoir catchment. Land development, agricultural activities, and waste management can all affect water quality within the catchment, increasing the risks of pollution and eutrophication. To better understand these issues, the NCU team conducted field visits and spoke with residents to learn about local water use, practical needs, and awareness of environmental issues. These insights provided a foundation for subsequent research and action.

Water Safety | Assessing Small Community Water Supplies through Testing

Some Indigenous communities in Fuxing District rely on small community water supply systems, with varying treatment and management practices. Water quality can also be affected by conditions around the water source, rainfall, and the maintenance of pipelines and storage facilities. Understanding water safety therefore requires examining the entire process, from the source to the supply system.

The team used coliform testing (NIEA E230.55B) to assess water quality at the time of sampling and translated the results into information that residents could readily understand, helping them recognize the risks of microbial contamination. Professor Lin shared that some samples with coliform counts exceeding the applicable standard showed substantial reductions after ultraviolet disinfection. These findings demonstrate how appropriate treatment can improve water quality and provide a reference for evaluating local water supply improvements.

Microplastics | Tracking Contamination That Is Difficult to See

Alongside microorganisms, aquatic environments contain microplastics that are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Professor Lin’s team investigated plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. Their research covered surface and mid-depth reservoir waters, downstream water treatment plants, wetlands, and bottom sediments, examining patterns across locations and sampling periods and exploring their relationship with rainfall.

Professor Lin noted that microplastic concentrations in the surveyed waters were relatively low compared with those reported in the international studies cited in the research. Water treatment processes also demonstrated some capacity to remove microplastics. These studies help us understand how microplastic levels change as water moves from natural environments into water supply systems. They also remind us that contamination cannot always be judged by appearance alone. Continued sampling and analysis are needed to gradually build our understanding of aquatic environments.

Campsite Wastewater | Finding Practical Approaches That Address Environmental Protection and Local Needs

Professor Lin also discussed the team’s engagement with campsite operators in Fuxing District in response to Ministry of Environment regulations concerning campsite wastewater discharge and water pollution prevention. Together, they explored possible approaches to wastewater treatment and sustainable operations.

Through these exchanges, the team found that campsites face challenges extending beyond wastewater treatment to land use and operating conditions. Existing management systems and Indigenous peoples’ longstanding land-use practices and lived experiences sometimes require further dialogue and mutual understanding.

By speaking with local operators and residents, the team sought to understand the needs and constraints of each site. This approach places technical improvements within the context of local operations, helping identify suitable and feasible practices that address regulatory requirements, environmental protection, and everyday life.

Monitoring and Shared Learning | Connecting Scientific Data with Everyday Life

In addition to regularly sampling and monitoring water quality in streams and Shihmen Reservoir, the team organizes camps and collaborates with local schools to turn research findings into environmental education connected to everyday life. Through observation and hands-on activities, students learn about their hometown’s water resources and pollution issues.

The project has also expanded from water source monitoring to broader environmental sustainability topics. In collaboration with Yisheng Elementary School, the team connects water quality observation, plastic reduction, and sustainability learning. Turbidity meters, air pollution monitoring equipment, and a sustainability learning website turn environmental data into teaching materials, supporting children as they learn about changes in their surroundings.

At Youyou Xiayun Aquaponics Farm, the team combines food and agricultural education with water quality observation. Monitoring equipment measures indicators such as pH, water temperature, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen, enabling participants to use actual data to understand the relationship between water quality and the operation of an aquaponics system.

From water quality testing to environmental education, Professor Lin’s presentation illustrated how scientific research connects with local life. When testing results are understandable and monitoring data become learning resources, residents and students have more opportunities to join the discussion and consider together how to care for the water sources and environments they depend on every day.