Abstract
Cities in Taiwan are so dependent on reservoir water that preservation of the upstream reservoir watershed has become a significant public concern. However, due to the high-density development of land, resulting in rapid urban expansion, the construction of tunnels and elevated highways across reservoirs to better utilize the surrounding land has become a global trend. Based on data from long-term observation of the reservoir, this study verifies the difference in water quality before and after the highway construction. The results indicate that the total phosphorus (TP) increased on average 14 μg/L to 36.5 μg/L per annum, and the water quality is expected to require 10 years to recover. During the highway development, the average TP was more than twice the normal level. During summer, the TP level increases 3.1-fold due to rainfall. As indicated by the results, the large-scale land development will harm the long-term preservation of the reservoir’s water quality, and therefore should be avoided.
Highlights
In Taiwan, due to its short rivers, steep slopes, and high flow rates, drinking water availability is primarily contingent on the use of reservoirs
Using data from long-term monitoring, this study evaluates the long-term effects on reservoir water quality of constructing a highway and tunnel in an upstream reservoir watershed
The Hsuehshan Tunnel is comprised of two main tunnels and one pilot tunnel
Summary
In Taiwan, due to its short rivers, steep slopes, and high flow rates, drinking water availability is primarily contingent on the use of reservoirs. Does the groundwater penetration damage construction equipment and endanger construction workers, it displaces a significant quantity of sediment and exacerbates soil erosion, presenting a serious hidden risk to the water quality of the reservoir [12]. In this case, during the construction of the Hsuehshan Tunnel, a sudden spewing of groundwater eroded several tea gardens and increased the likelihood that nutritive salt entered the reservoir. Using data from long-term monitoring, this study evaluates the long-term effects on reservoir water quality of constructing a highway and tunnel in an upstream reservoir watershed. This study attempts to confirm the hidden pollution hazards of the project and determine the length of their influence
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