As the typhoon season arrives again, heavy rains can lead to soil erosion on hillsides and riverbanks, causing an increase in water turbidity, which affects the quality of our water sources. The Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) of Nantou County Government is concerned about the safety of drinking water for our residents. Whether you are a tap water user, a simple tap water user, or reside in a non-tap water area, by following a few key principles, you can easily enhance the safety of your drinking water.
(1) Tap Water Users: After a typhoon with heavy rain, tap water treatment plants typically increase the chlorine dosage in tap water. As a result, the taste of disinfectant in tap water may be stronger than usual, but it has no harmful effects on human health, and you can still safely drink it. If you want to reduce the taste of disinfectant in the water, you can let the tap water sit for approximately half a day. Afterward, bring it to a boil, and then continue boiling with the lid open for at least 3 minutes, which will help reduce the disinfectant taste. Additionally, when tap water service is restored after a water outage, it's a good practice to open your faucets and collect the initial water flow to use for flushing toilets, conserving water resources. After a few minutes, you can then use it for cooking after boiling.
(2) Simple Tap Water Users and Non-Tap Water Households: After a typhoon with heavy rain, it's essential for the authorities to inspect water sources, clean water supply pipelines, and storage facilities. If necessary, disinfection should be carried out. Water from these sources should be boiled before consumption to ensure its safety. If needed, consider temporarily using bottled water to safeguard your drinking water safety.
The Nantou County Government's EPB is deeply concerned about public drinking water safety. In addition to the tips mentioned above, following the impact of Typhoon Khanun's outer circulation rainfall on August 4, 2023, which caused disaster situations in our county, the EPB has planned to accept applications from local residents for free testing of well water and spring water sources until August 31, 2023. This is aimed at helping residents return to normal life. If you are in need, please call 049-2201298 for inquiries or submit water samples (1 liter in a clean container) to the inspection laboratory at Nantou County Stadium, No. 300, Nangang 1st Rd., Nantou City, Nantou County.