Taipei Feitsui Reservoir AdministrationFAQ

How can I book a Feitsui Reservoir tour or the Feitsui Reservoir Environmental Learning Center Programs?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 01:00:00 GMT

(1)Tours and Programs Available from:
09:30A.M. – 11:30A.M., 2:00P.M. – 4:00P.M., except Mon. and weekend.
(2)Groups Qualified for Booking:
–1. Schools and government organizations.
–2. Non-governmental organizations and enterprises.
–3. Foreign visitors invited by government agencies.
–4. Reservation Procedures: Tours or programs can be scheduled by phone and an official reservation letter must be sent two weeks prior to the scheduled tour time.
Reservation Tel: (02) 26664996~8

Why is Feitsui Reservoir located in New Taipei City but managed by Taipei City Government?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:59:00 GMT

In the 1970’s, the Taipei metropolis suffered water shortages and the effective solution was to build a reservoir. Therefore, the Executive Yuan approved the construction and the reservoir was completed in June, 1987; most of the construction cost was raised and paid for by Taipei City Government. Therefore, Feitsui Reservoir’s management is supervised by Taipei City Government. Feitsui Reservoir and Nanshih Creek both share an important task of supplying public water to all of Taipei City and parts of New Taipei City.

What is the meaning of Feitsui Reservoir operation rules?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:58:00 GMT

To meet the water demand in the Greater Taipei area, and in accordance with the catchment area rainfall, seasonal characteristics, as well as demand factors, Feitsui Reservoir has set 4 gauge lines indicating different levels of water limits (Upper, Middle, Lower and Critically Lower). The meaning of each gauge line is described as follows:(1) Above the Upper Limit, water storage is sufficient for supplying the Taipei metropolis. In case of a typhoon, reservoir administration will lower the water level as much as possible to hold the enormous amount of rain brought by the storm.(2) Between the Upper and Middle Limits, water storage is enough to supply the Taipei metropolis. During a typhoon, the reservoir has enough storage to contain a large amount of rain, thereby lowering the risk of downstream floods. The gauge line is ideal for storage and supply.(3) Between the Middle and Lower Limit, water storage is enough to meet the demand. In order to reduce the risk of water shortages in the future, the reservoir must assess the water demand, predict precipitation in the catchment area and cautiously operate the flood release.(4) Between the Lower and Critically Lower Limit, water storage is likely unable to meet the demand of the Taipei metropolis. Reducing the nighttime water supply is considered plausible after a joint session with other related agencies to discuss the hydrological situation.(5) Below the Critically Lower Limit, water storage will not meet the demand of the Taipei Metropolis, rationing the water supply will come into effect.

Does Feitsui Reservoir allow fishing, boating, or any types of water activities?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:49:00 GMT

Feitsui Reservoir is an important water source for Taipei metropolis, and is one of the country’s most excellent reservoir in terms of water quality. Since development of source water is increasingly difficult and reservoir is in an environmental sensitive area. For the purpose of supplying public water and maintaining the excellent water quality, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C. had decided on October 21, 1994 that fishing, boating, or engaging in any types of water activities in Feitsui Reservoir and its impounding area is strictly prohibited.

How does the water/flood release broadcasting system of Feitsui Reservoir operate?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:39:00 GMT

To ensure the safety of residents living downstream,the Feitsui Reservoir broadcasting system is activated prior to water releases (flood discharges) to warn residents to leave the downstream areas immediately. The procedures are as follows:

(1)Water Supply/Hydropower Release: 20 minutes prior to Feitsui Reservoir's water release, the Feitsui Reservoir broadcasting system will activate the warning system from the river downstream of Feitsui dam to Xindian Guangxing Park.

(2)Flood Discharges: according to the announcement made by the Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in November, 2001, Feitsui Reservoir must activate the flood release warning system 2 hours (in 20-minute increment) prior to the release. The warning system covers areas from the river downstream of Feitsui dam to Huajiang Bridge.

Which are the activities Feitsui Reservoir offers for people to participate in?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:32:00 GMT

(1)Student Tours: From March to June and September to December, a total of 18 tours and 80 students per tour and schools (fifth to sixth graders) in Taipei City and within the water conservation area in New Taipei City with courses based on the Water Ecological Education.

(2)Ecological Camp of Feitsui Reservoir: two groups per year only, mainly for sixth graders from Taipei and New Taipei City. The course is mainly about wildlife observation and arts and craft activities.

(3)Registration dates for the above activities are posted on Feitsui Reservoir's website prior to each event. For more imformations, please visit https://activity.feitsui.gov.tw/(Chinese).

How is the Emerald Tree Frog named?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:30:00 GMT

Rhacophorus prasinatus,the Emerald tree frog, was found near the Feitsui Reservoir area, and was therefore given the chinese name, "Feitsui" Tree Frog. In English through, it is commonly referred to as the "Emerald" tree frog due to its color. They are distributed primarily along the Nanshih and Peishih Creek basins and low elevation areas such as Xindian’s Guangxin, Wulai’s Wa-Wa valley, Yi-lan’s Fushan Botanical garden and Jiaoshi. It has an emerald green back ,black pupils and golden iries, and yellow-golden skin folds behind the eyes. The breeding season is from March to November of each year. Males and females vary in sizes, with the male body lengths reaching 5 to 6 centimeters, and females' can grow to 6 to 8 centimeters. They often inhabit in bushes, water containers, and ditches. Males croak in a short "gung” sound near waterside plants and females are attracted by it. Females lay pinkish foamy on plants, attaching them on branches and leaves.

Why is Rhododendron kanehirai wilson valuable?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:28:00 GMT

Rhododendron kanehirai wilson is an endemic of Taiwan. Its population distribution is the least and the narrowest among the 15 Ericaceaes in Taiwan. It was first discovered by Ernest Henry (E.H.) Wilson, a British botanist, in the Peishih creek riverside near Lu-zi lake in 1922. Its only habitat was submerged in water after the initial impounding of Feitsui dam in 1984. It was thought that the Rhododendron kanehirai wilson would disappear forever. Fortunately, it was declared as a precious rare species in August 20, 1988 by the government and after authorities concerned put in 10 years of restoration effort, the Rhododendron kanehirai wilson can once again be seen in the office area of Feitsui Reservoir, Feitsui dam site, and their original habitat. For over 20 years, the Feitsui Reservoir catchment area has been well managed to conserve the rich natural environment, which plays an important role on the reservoir site and in providing a clean and sufficient raw water to Metropolitan Taipei. We believe that we can achieve a balance between human welfare and nature’s prosperity between reservoir’s developments and environmental conservation.

What are the features of the Feitsui Fern Garden?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:20:00 GMT

Taiwan is a cornucopia of fern; a plethora of fern species is also preserved in Feitsui Reservoir. It is estimated that 22 families, 45 genus, and 110 species of ferns grow in the Feitsui Reservoir catchment area. In 2007, Feitsui Reservoir Administration cooperated with Hsi-Liu Environmental Greening Foundation to launch one of the first reservoir fern gardens in Taiwan. The garden is designed to demonstrate the evolution process of fern. For instance, Pslloyum nudum (L.) P. Beauv appeared 350 million years ago, Ophloglossum pendulum L., Angiopteris lygodiifolia, and Cyathea lepifera appeared over 200 million years ago, all of which can be found in the garden. Recently, more ferns have been added, such as Woodwardia polifera Hook. & Am., and Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw., all of which appeared over 100 million years ago. Most of these ferns that grow at the bottom of the forest can not only prevent soil erosion, but also facilitate water conservation. Through the fern garden tour, visitors can understand the close relationship between water resources conservation and ecological conservation.

How is the water quality of Feitsui Reservoir?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:18:00 GMT

The reservoir’s water quality usually refers to the degree of eutrophication, commonly known as the Carlson’s Trophic State Index (CTSI).When CTSI is below 40,the water is in oligotrophic state (excellent quality). When CTSI is between 40 to 50, the water is in mesotrophic state (good quality); while over 50 the water is in poor quality (algae breeding and possible algae poisoning and smells will occur).

Over the years, in addition to actively coordinating and promoting catchment related conservation and anti-pollution work with other agencies. The “Storing Clear and Releasing Muddy” operation, aimed at reducing the amount of nutrients from siltation, contributed to the annual average of Mesotrophic state (good quality) measures of CTSI. In recent years, the water quality is in the Oligotrophic state.

How do you ensure the safety of Feitsui Dam?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:10:00 GMT

During the construction of the Feitsui Dam, a variety of monitoring instruments were embedded from within to help engineers monitor the safety and security of the dam, which is similar to a comprehensive physical check up of a human body. In addition, periodical and irregular site visual inspections are also carried out. In accordance with government regulations, the overall safety inspection of the dam has to be carried out by a third party professional assessment team, along with scholars, to evaluate the safety and structural behavior of the dam in every 5 years.

Will Feitsui Reservoir break during strong earthquakes?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:08:00 GMT

Due to the geolocation of Feitsui Reservoir near the Taipei metropolis, its geology and adjacent faults were properly investigated and evaluated in the stage of site selection. The design guideline of “No collapse in big earthquakes, no cracks in small earthquakes” was also adhered to and safety factors were also considered in the design of dam structure. Through years of seismic activity data collection and research, the average earthquake magnitude of Feitsui Reservoir is 1 to 2 magnitudes lower than that of Taipei City. With its double-curvature concrete arch dam and the strict supervision it underwent during its construction, Feitsui Dam has an excellent capacity for withstanding seismic activities.

How is the siltation situation of Feitsui Reservoir?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 23:49:00 GMT

Since the initial impoundment of Feitsui Reservoir in July, 1984, Feitsui Reservoir has actively worked with other authorities to promote the catchment's area soil and water conservation, such as anti-silt sediment reduction. As of 2022, the cumulative sedimentation is 27.821 million cubic meters, which is 6.85% of the initial gross capacity of 406 million cubic meters. The average sediment is 723,000 cubic meters (0.2%), far lower than Peishih Creek's estimated sand transportation of 1.136 million cubic meters. In recent years, with hydraulic de-silting operation running, from 2020 to 2022, the average annual sediment is 312,000 cubic meters, which is only 0.1% of the reservoir's initial gross capacity. Therefore, sedimentation has no impact on the operation of the reservoir at present time.