Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
1. NTHU (National Tsing Hua University) relies primarily on the supply of water from Taiwan Water Corporation for its campus water needs. This means that the university's daily water usage, including drinking water, restrooms, and laboratories, is all provided by Taiwan Water Corporation, without the need to draw from natural water sources. 2. According to government data, the Touqian River is the most important water source in the Hsinchu area, supplying tap water through multiple intake points and reservoir systems, providing about 90% of the water usage. During dry periods, Hsinchu City resorts to backup water sources such as groundwater and seawater desalination. 3. Regular Maintenance and Services for Water Dispensers - Outsourcing to Professional Service Providers: (1) Maintenance and cleaning every 10 days in the academic administrative area, and once a week in the student accommodation area. This should include cleaning the external casing of the equipment, ensuring the drainage system is clear, checking for any electrical leakage or circuit breaker malfunctions, inspecting external components of the machine, and ensuring proper functioning. (2) Replacement of the first impurity filter every three months. (3) Replacement of the second activated carbon filter every two months. (4) Annual cleaning of the heat cylinder and the internal components of the machine. (5) The replacement filters by the vendor must be accompanied by factory certification, which needs to be verified by the institutional affairs department. (6) Prior to maintenance and service, notification should be given to the institution's maintenance unit managers and after service, each item must be confirmed by the managers and their signature of approval should be provided in the maintenance record. (7) In the event of a malfunction, the repair team should arrive on-site within 4 hours and the issue should be resolved within 48 hours. 4. Water Quality Inspection Mechanism - According to the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency, water quality inspections should be outsourced by the institution. The inspection fees will be covered by the institution. The water quality inspection report should be publicly displayed on the water dispenser and announced online for public knowledge. 5. Cleaning of Water Tanks and Reservoirs - Each building's water tank and reservoir should be cleaned at least once a year. The institutional affairs department will provide cleaning materials for each building in September every year, with units that have not been cleaned receiving reminders for completion by the end of the year. 6. Improvement of Water Tank and Reservoir Ventilation Pipes - Each building in the academic administrative area must complete the installation of insect screens on U-shaped ventilation pipes and locking covers by deadlines provided. 7. Regular Checking Mechanism - The institutional affairs department will conduct sporadic inspections with inspection items including external cleanliness, drainage, electrical leakage, and functionality checks. 8. NTHU is also implementing water resource recycling to conserve water. For example, wastewater from the school’s swimming pool is treated and reused for irrigating lawns, which not only reduces the use of tap water but also enhances the efficiency of water resource utilization, aligning with the principles of water conservation and environmental protection.
Results/Contributions

1. The drinking water and daily water supply for the campus come from treated sources provided by Taiwan Water Corporation. These water sources are delivered to the campus through a completely enclosed piping system, which effectively prevents external contaminants from entering the pipes, ensuring the safety and hygiene standards of the water during transportation.

2. Each building on campus is equipped with an independent water tank to store daily water usage. These tanks are strictly managed, and only designated personnel are authorized to access them, preventing contamination from unauthorized individuals or equipment. This regulation further strengthens the assurance of water quality safety.

3. Water quality test results all meet the standards.

(1)The total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water at our school is approximately 180-200 (mg/L). Upon heating, scale (calcium carbonate) may form. Each year when the water heater tank is cleaned, not only are the internal calcium carbonate crystals cleaned thoroughly, but the heaters covered with calcium carbonate are also replaced to ensure the safety and hygiene of drinking water. This also enhances the heating efficiency of the water dispensers, saves energy, reduces the malfunction rate of water dispensers, and improves water quality.

(2)The Administration Department conducts irregular inspections of the drinking water dispensers in the educational and administrative areas to audit whether the maintenance contractors have implemented their contractual obligations and to enhance the quality of water dispenser services.

(3)Regular cleaning of water tanks and towers, installation of insect-proof nets and locking of manhole covers can ensure the safety and hygiene of drinking water.

4. NTHU provides water dispensers for free use by students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The campus provides free water fountains in 86 buildings, totaling 86 units.” The total number of water dispensers is 640.

5. By using the Water Refill Map App, the public can easily locate and use campus water dispensers, promoting a water-friendly environment. The public can use the cell phone APP (name: WATER REFILL MAP) to quickly check and use the campus water dispenser.

Keywords
cleanlinessWater consumption trackingFree drinking water providedPreventing water system pollution
References
1. https://nesh.site.nthu.edu.tw/p/405-1009-217810,c18963.php?Lang=en

National Tsing Hua University Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety and Health Management Policy

2. https://affairs.site.nthu.edu.tw/

Drinking fountains management

4. https://www.water.gov.tw/en

Taiwan Water Corporation

Contact Information
曾智偉
jwtzeng@mx.nthu.edu.tw