To ensure public safety during the ongoing drought, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) yesterday urged residents to look for signs of potentially dangerous tap water.
Several pollution cases reported in Taipei City and Taipei County reflect the vulnerability of the water-supply network during the drought, EPA officials said.
"People should contact water suppliers to demand a comprehensive examination of the quality of turbid, smelly or colored tap water," said Tung Teh-po (
Tung said that people should avoid using such tap water for washing hands, washing fruit, brushing their teeth and rinsing their mouths.
While water rationing is in effect, EPA officials said, it is inappropriate to drink tap water without boiling it for at least five minutes.
EPA officials added that it is illegal and dangerous to pump tap water directly from aqueducts, adding that such water may contain pollutants.
Kuo Yao-chi (郭瑤琪), executive-general of the Cabinet's drought disaster-relief center, said yesterday that a more comprehensive examination of water quality should be carried out.
"We will also strengthen the emergency notification system," Kuo said yesterday after facing criticism for the government's slow response to water-pollution cases in Taipei.
Administrative negligence will be investigated after the crisis is under control, Kuo said.
In addition, EPA officials reminded residents of risks of consuming potentially contaminated groundwater.
Officials said that people should avoid drinking groundwater until after it has been tested and approved by certified organizations. (A list of such organizations is available at http://www.niea.gov.tw)
EPA officials also advised people to cover collected water to keep it clean during the drought and advised against storing water for several days.
Water rationing has also affected upcoming environmental policy changes.
EPA head Hau Lung-bin (
Originally, publicly operated grocery stores, restaurants at government buildings, public and private educational establishments and military organizations were to be prohibited from offering free plastic bags and eating utensils from July 1.
"When limits for using disposable utensils will be carried out depends on the drought situation," Hau said, adding that banning the use of free plastic bags will still begin on July 1.
Once water rationing is lifted, Hau said, the ban on using disposable utensils at publicly operated facilities would be imposed immediately.
The second phase of the policy -- banning free plastic bags and disposable utensils at all stores but street vendors -- will be implemented on Jan. 1, as per the EPA's original plan.
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