Keelung water contamination forced authorities to fine Taiwan Water Corp. (TWC) NT$500,000 after an oil spill affected over 150,000 households. Consequently, city officials emphasized stricter oversight and immediate action.
The Keelung Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) issued the fine under the Drinking Water Management Act. Director Ma Chung-hao explained that inspectors found a malfunctioning oil-film detector at TWC’s Badu pumping station. Therefore, TWC delayed detecting the contamination, endangering residents.
After TWC reported the spill early Thursday, EPB staff arrived within 30 minutes. They immediately implemented pollution-control measures and began daily water sampling at the Xinshan Water Treatment Plant, Xinshan Reservoir, and other areas. Ma also stated that the bureau is reviewing whether TWC followed its pollution response plan.
Deputy Director Chen Chao-hsien said that Xinshan water treatment plant workers first noticed the odor at 6 a.m. As a result, TWC halted river-water intake and switched to reservoir water. Chen clarified that one of the two oil-film detectors failed due to weak early-morning light, while the other had been decommissioned but not yet removed.
Meanwhile, inspectors found oil traces near Chongzhi Bridge, Nuannuan Bridge, and the Dingnei gas station. Authorities promptly deployed containment booms to limit the spill. The contamination affected approximately 105,000 households in Keelung and 47,000 in New Taipei’s Xizhi District.
Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang reported that the city filed a case with the Keelung District Prosecutors Office, which has opened an investigation. In addition, city and ministry officials are tracing the pollution source. Preliminary findings indicate industrial-grade oil as the likely contaminant.
Furthermore, Chen said that TWC is evaluating sensors to detect dissolved pollutants. Officials plan to keep the river intake suspended until they confirm the source. This incident underscores the need for upgraded monitoring systems and rapid response protocols.
Authorities also stressed stricter enforcement and advised water utilities to maintain fully functioning safety equipment. In addition, residents should remain cautious until tests confirm safe water quality.
Overall, Keelung water contamination highlights the importance of proactive water management and environmental oversight. Moving forward, authorities intend to strengthen preventive measures and enforce compliance more effectively.
