Zhonghe Ruishui Reservoir Introduction
The Zhonghe area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples. It wasn't until the sixth year of the Qianlong reign (1741) that Han people from Fujian and Guangdong came to Taiwan to cultivate the land, which led to the first recorded settlements of Han villages. After Japan took control of Taiwan in the 28th year of the Meiji era (1895), in order to improve water quality and meet the needs of coal washing at the "Shanben Coal Mine" in the Haishan area, construction of the Banqiao Waterway began in the third year of the Showa era (1928) and was opened the following year. The Ruifeng Water Purification Plant was established in the fourth year of the Showa era (1929) on the Ruifeng highlands, serving as a dividing point for water delivery and distribution. Following the construction of Banqiao Station, the region developed rapidly, attracting a large influx of population. The Japanese authorities planned to expand the Banqiao Waterway in the 16th year of Showa (1941), but this was halted due to the outbreak of the Pacific War. After the restoration of Taiwan, the waterway system was severely damaged by the war, leading to a sharp decrease in water supply. The government planned to repair and expand the system, during which the waterway system established during the Japanese rule gradually disappeared due to renovations. In the 52nd year of the Republic of China (1963), water was drawn from the Xindian River, gradually replacing groundwater sources. By the 63rd year of the Republic of China (1974), surface water from the Dahan River became the primary water source, and the tap water system in the Banqiao area was completed, completely phasing out groundwater sources. Among the remnants of the waterway system from the Japanese Colonial Period, the Ruifeng Water Purification Plant is the best preserved. The purification plant has served its water supply function since the Japanese era, with water sourced from the outlet on today's Yonghe Water Source Road, linking the development of two regions and standing as a significant relic in the modernization of the waterway system.
