Sustainable Utilization of Groundwater Resources through Well of Construction Sites under Climate Change: A Case Study in Taichung City, Taiwan

Abstract

Global climate change has led to an increase risk of drought. It reflects the importance of effective water resource management. In 2011, Taiwan experienced a severe water crisis during a drought, with Taichung bearing the brunt of its impacts. However, this brought to light the use of groundwater resources against drought. Groundwater from dewatering on construction sites played a critical role in supporting industrial and domestic uses while providing approximately 5,000 tons of water daily during the drought. Collaborative efforts resulted in the swift integration of groundwater from nine construction sites into the tap water supply system, providing about 100,000 tons daily, sufficient to support around 400,000 people. Generally, construction site groundwater is underutilized. This study aims to gather fundamental information on wells at construction sites of Taichung and analyze current water yields from various perspectives. The objective is to identify cases for long-term promotion, propose corresponding measures, and develop a sustainable management model. The results will provide specific strategies and timelines for ongoing, sustainable groundwater utilization efforts at construction sites. Keywords: drought; construction-site well; groundwater resource; sustainable utilization