Taipei clarifies: Xishan Village water not from city supply

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei Water Department urgently clarified on Friday (April 12) that the daily water supply for residents of Xishan Village in the Shilin District of Taipei City does not come from its system. Instead, it is provided by a water supply organization established by the residents, drawing from untreated mountain spring water.

This clarification comes after an incident in Xishan Village where residents experienced symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which were suspected to be due to poor water quality. 

The Water Department stated that the high levels of E. coli found in the drinking water were likely due to untreated water.

The department emphasized that the tap water it supplies to the greater Taipei area is different from the spring water used by residents of Xishan Village, assuring the public that the tap water is safe to use. 

In response to the water quality incident in Xishan Village, the department has set up four emergency water collection points and provided survival water bags for distribution by the district office to residents in need.

Some doctors believe the incident could be related to environmental changes following the earthquake that struck Taiwan on April 3. 

Medical specialist Chiang Kuan-yu suggested that the high levels of E. coli could be related to the earthquake, as leakage from drainage systems could create stagnant water that enters the drinking water system, leading to contamination.

Chiang also pointed out that the effectiveness of water filters varies. While they should be able to filter out common E. coli, they may not be able to remove other microorganisms that produce toxins before they are filtered out.

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