Swimming event to pollute water: GPT

GPT argued that the government is having double standards to put “no swimming” signs around reservoirs, but now host swimming events in the reservoir. They said having 5,000 people swimming in the reservoir will contaminate the domestic water source, which provides for 3.5 million people in Taoyuan and Taipei County.

“Does the government value the health of Taipei City residents higher than people living in Taoyuan and Taipei County?” GPT Secretary-General Pan Han-shen asked. “Otherwise why would there be much stricter rules for Feitsui Reservoir and now they are inviting thousands of people to swim in Shihmen Reservoir?”

GPT also criticized that how the government compromises the water quality to promote tourism set a very bad example for environmental education in Taiwan.

Water Resources Agency's Northern Region Water Resources Office Deputy Director Huang Hung-pu (黃宏莆) explained that the event had gone through official application procedures and they are only allowed to use only specific areas in the reservoir.

He said water in the reservoir is processed before entering domestic homes. They will also ask participants to shower before swimming in the reservoir.

He also pointed out in the previous years when the same event was held, the water monitor stations at the reservoir had not detected any negative results.

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