Shihmen Reservoir is one of the main reservoirs in northern Taiwan. According to the monitoring data of past years, the water quality of Shihmen Reservoir has been ranked mostly between heterotrophic condition and eutrophic condition, and total phosphorus is the main factor affecting its eutrophication levels. To reduce total phosphorus, we have not only continuously set up methods to control the pollution sources in the catchment area so as to lessen the pollution load borne by the reservoir, but have also implemented this plan to promote a series of “Total Phosphorus Reduction” activities, including the propaganda to urge people,especially school children, to use eco-cleaning products. It is indeed our sincere hope that the concept of protecting the water environment and water resources can take root in the minds of school children and that they can take action to protect our water environment. This plan is divided into two major directions: investigation of water quality and pollution analysis for Shihmen Reservoir and the promotion of “Total Phosphorus Reduction” activities. Our work items include (1) the supplementary survey on the water quality of main streams flowing into Shihmen Reservoir; (2) guidance and verification for controlled businesses and restaurants in the areas surrounding Shihmen Reservoir; (3) environmental data collection, pollution source analysis, pollution estimation and research and development of action plans for Shihmen Reservoir; (4) promotion of and guidance to ecofriendly shops; (5) publicity campaigns for distribution of eco-cleaning products and pollution reduction; (6) handling of handmade soap making workshops for environmental protection; (7) handling of publicity tour activities for environmental education; (8) designing and printing of promotional materials (including the recording of videos for online marketing and publicity); (9) purchase of publicity materials; (10) other administrative assistance and new work items such as the negotiation of agreements. During this period, we have completed the supplementary survey on the water quality at 40 points on the main streams flowing into Shihmen Reservoir; 15 publicity campaigns for the distribution of ecocleaning products and pollution reduction; 200 workshops for making eco-friendly handmade soap; 286 publicity tours for environmental education; designing and printing of promotion literature for 46 ecofriendly stores; posting of 47 online marketing articles with pictures on Facebook pages; completion of the preliminary survey on outdoor shooting locations for the promotional videos; and the purchase and delivery of promotional products in batches. Our feedback survey shows that people and school children participating in the events were satisfied with all the promotion activities, saying that they have a better understanding of “Total Phosphorus Reduction” and water environment conservation programs and are hoping that the promotion activities can be expanded or continued. Due to the control measures under Level 3 epidemic alert, nine seminars of the project was held online to meet the government’s epidemic requirement. The environmental education tours and eco handmade soap workshop were stopped from May 12 and restarted on September 17, after the epidemic slowed down. Through the activities such as environmental education promotions, green shops, and seminars, the project implements the concept of water protection so that it will take roots in children’s mind. The consensus and recognition of the catchment residents will strengthen the overall determination to protect water environment and further promote the sustainable environmental protection of water resources.

Shihmen Reservoir, Total Phosphorus Reduction, Environment Education