Taiwan officials counter reservoir pollution allegations

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's government denied Monday (Oct. 13) that floating solar panels have polluted reservoirs nationwide, countering online rumors about environmental damage. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (經濟部) emphasized water quality remains unaffected by photovoltaic installations across the island's water bodies. The Irrigation Agency (農水署), under Taiwan's agriculture ministry, published comprehensive testing data online to address mounting public concerns about biodiversity impacts.

Officials temporarily halted the Wushantou Reservoir (烏山頭水庫) Phase II solar project pending local government consent approval from relevant authorities. The Ministry of Economic Affairs excluded the controversial site from photovoltaic installation calculations while awaiting proper legal authorization from local officials. The Energy Administration (能源署) confirmed the Irrigation Agency continuously monitors heavy metals, chlorides, and ionic surfactants, with all comprehensive data publicly accessible online.

July monitoring data definitively confirmed Wushantou Reservoir water quality remained normal, directly contradicting widespread pollution concerns about solar panel installations. Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) told the Legislative Yuan's Economics Committee that future efforts will systematically integrate information into the Water Resources Agency's website for enhanced public access. The Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, serves as the primary venue for ministerial accountability and comprehensive policy oversight discussions.

The Energy Administration reported most reservoir photovoltaic projects have been completed successfully without compromising water quality standards across Taiwan's water systems. Officials emphasized solar panels contain primarily silicon, which meets strict international non-toxicity and durability standards preventing any toxic leakage into water sources. The administration provided additional assurance that rigorous international compliance standards guarantee no harmful substances will contaminate Taiwan's critical water resources.

The Ministry of Environment (環境部) operates a comprehensive National Environmental Water Quality Monitoring Network (全國環境水質監測網) systematically tracking Carlson index, chlorophyll, and phosphorus levels nationwide. The extensive network releases detailed quarterly findings providing thorough water quality assessments across Taiwan's entire reservoir systems for public transparency. All water sources receive mandatory treatment at purification plants before becoming tap water, with real-time monitoring data continuously available on the water company's website.