"Groundwater is one of Taiwan's critical water resources, particularly in Taoyuan City, a hub of industrial activity where groundwater supply is vital for both industrial and domestic use. To ensure the sustainable development of water resources, prevent land subsidence, maintain water quality, and address climate change, the management of water rights has emerged as an essential endeavor," explained Wang Wei-Chih, Assistant Engineer of the Water Resources Administration Section, Department of Water Resources, Taoyuan City Government, as he elaborated on the concept of water rights.
To promote water conservation in industries and ensure water usage equity, the Ministry of Economic Affairs began collecting water consumption fees in February 2023. Effective water-saving measures and stringent water source management have become a shared responsibility among large-scale water users. As Taiwan's largest industrial and technological city, Taoyuan hosts over 30 industrial parks, making water resource supply critically important. Each year, the industrial sector extracts between 200 million and 300 million cubic meters of groundwater, accounting for more than 80% of the city's total groundwater usage.
Smart Water Metering Devices and Management Platform
"Taoyuan City is among the first local governments in Taiwan to implement the legal framework for groundwater resource utilization. Regulations mandate that large groundwater users consuming over 100,000 tons annually must apply for water rights. Through the installation of smart water metering devices, we can monitor the groundwater usage of these major consumers," explained Wang Wei-Chih, Assistant Engineer of the Water Resources Administration Section, while describing the recent advancements in smart groundwater management in Taoyuan City.
Taoyuan City has enacted the "Taoyuan City Self-Governance Ordinance on Groundwater Water Rights and Metering Device Installation" to incrementally increase the temporal and spatial coverage of groundwater monitoring. Before promoting the installation of smart water metering devices, the city organized 20 promotional seminars with over 800 companies participating. As of February 2024, data from more than 600 water rights wells have been collected, enabling the city to monitor over 80% of the total groundwater usage under water rights in Taoyuan. The collected data is automatically transmitted to a smart management platform developed by the Department of Water Resources. This platform displays key information, including water levels, flow rates, water usage, water level alerts, and pumping volume alerts for both water rights and observation wells, providing comprehensive oversight of groundwater extraction by each water rights holder.
Overcoming Technical Challenges and Public Acceptance Issues
"The most difficult challenge in promoting this project is ensuring the proper operation of equipment under varying environmental conditions, such as unstable data transmission from smart water metering devices and low public acceptance," explained Wang Wei-Chih, Assistant Engineer of the Water Resources Administration Section, regarding the issues faced during the project implementation.
To resolve the issue of unstable data transmission, IoT technology and cloud data backup systems were utilized to ensure the stability of data transmission and storage. For challenges related to insufficient accuracy of predictive models, the latest results from the sixth-generation supercomputers were applied for calculations, alongside continuous updates of observational data and adjustments to model parameters, significantly enhancing the accuracy of predictive models.
"To increase public acceptance and participation in installing smart water metering devices, we hold annual promotional seminars to explain the benefits of these devices. For example, they eliminate the need for on-site water meter readings, as data is uploaded remotely, reducing labor costs. We also provide guidance on using the smart groundwater platform to improve installation rates and public involvement. Although some participants occasionally question the necessity and costs of the equipment during these seminars, many water rights holders actively support and explain the importance of the installations, helping to persuade skeptics," shared Wang Wei-Chih about his experiences in conducting public seminars.
These initiatives have not only effectively addressed the challenges encountered during the implementation process but have also strengthened public awareness and support for smart groundwater management, facilitating the smooth execution of the project. By overcoming various technical and societal challenges, the project has successfully advanced smart groundwater management and provided valuable experience for future water resource management efforts.
Effectiveness of Smart Groundwater Management
"Through measures such as monitoring extraction data, improving predictive accuracy, conserving water resources, and implementing planned strategies, we have not only enhanced the scientific rigor and efficiency of water resource management but also ensured the sustainable use of water resources, achieving a win-win for economic development and environmental protection," explained Wang Wei-Chih, Assistant Engineer of the Water Resources Administration Section, as he detailed the current outcomes of smart groundwater management.
Since the implementation of this project, a total of 642 smart water metering devices have been installed. The data transmitted annually by these devices allow the Department of Water Resources to monitor approximately 151 million metric tons of allocated water rights, accounting for 76.8% of the total approved volume. Using results derived from the sixth-generation supercomputer and updated groundwater level observational data, the accuracy of groundwater level predictive models has been significantly improved. Additionally, the project has completed the planning of artificial groundwater recharge schemes and preliminarily quantified spring water discharge rates, providing a backup water source during drought periods.
These achievements have not only improved the efficiency and accuracy of groundwater management but also promoted the sustainable utilization of water resources, laying a solid foundation for the city's long-term development.
Sustainable Water Resource Utilization for a Better Living Environment
Looking ahead, the Taoyuan City Government's Department of Water Resources will continue advancing smart groundwater management by leveraging cutting-edge technology to achieve precise and efficient water resource management. This initiative aims to enhance urban resilience and sustainable development. Through the integrated management of groundwater and surface water, the city seeks to secure diverse water demands and ensure a stable supply during extreme climate events such as droughts. The focus will be on promoting water conservation and efficient use for both industrial and domestic needs, minimizing environmental impact, fostering green economic growth, and increasing public awareness and participation in water resource management.
Engineering Assistant Wang Wei-Chih concluded, “Groundwater is one of the nation's vital resources, and our goal is its sustainable utilization. This means developing the economy without compromising the rights of future generations to access these resources. Through our ongoing efforts, we aspire to transform Taoyuan into a smart city characterized by intelligent water resource management, environmental friendliness, and economic prosperity.”