Zhonghe Ruinsui 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 began to settle and cultivate the land, leading to recorded settlements. 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 for coal washing at the "Shanben Coal Mine" in Hsien-shan, construction of the Banqiao Waterway began in the third year of the Showa era (1928) and was put into operation the following year. The Ruìsuì Water Purification Station was established in the fourth year of Showa (1929) at the Ruìsuì Highlands, serving as a boundary for the delivery and distribution of water. Following the construction of Banqiao Station, the area developed rapidly, resulting in an influx of population and prompting the Japanese authorities to plan an expansion of the Banqiao Waterway in the 16th year of Showa (1941), but this was halted due to the outbreak of the Pacific War. After the end of Chinese rule, the water system was severely damaged during the war, leading to a sharp decrease in water supply. The government planned repairs and expansions, during which the water system established during the Japanese administration gradually disappeared. 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 source, completing the tap water system in the Banqiao area, with groundwater completely phased out of the supply. The only remnants of the waterway system from the Japanese era that remain well preserved is the Ruìsuì Water Purification Station. This facility has been serving water supply functions since the Japanese colonial era, with its source coming from the outlet of what is now Yonghe Water Source Road, and it has connected the development of the two regions, making it a significant relic in the modern development of water systems.
