CHAPTER 1 General Provisions
Article 1
This Act is enacted for the purposes of promoting the rational development of water supply
enterprises and enhancing the effective management of their operations for sufficient supply of
quality water, improving the living environments of people, and promoting industrial and business
development.
For matters not provided herein, other applicable laws shall govern.
Article 2
The authority-in-charge of the water supply enterprises as referred to herein shall be water
conservancy authority at the central level; the municipal governments at the special municipality
level, and the county or city governments at the county or city level.
Where the service area of a water supply enterprise covers two or more administrative areas, the
authority-in-charge shall be the upper level authority.
Article 3
The following matters shall fall under the jurisdiction of central authority-in-charge:
1.The legislation of rules or regulation governing the development, operation, management and
supervision of water supply enterprises.
2.The planning of national development of water supply enterprises and the supervision of its
implementation.
3.The supervision and guidance of municipal, country and city water supply enterprises.
4.The planning and administration of municipal, country or city water supply enterprises that serve
two or more administrative areas.
5.The districting of water service areas.
6.The guidance for matters regarding cross-area water supply and the stipulation of criteria and
other related measures for stoppage of water supply and water rationing.
7.Other matters regarding national water supply.
Article 4
The following matters shall fall under the jurisdiction of municipal authority-in-charge:
1.The legislation of rules or regulations governing water supply enterprises within the municipality.
2.The planning and implementation of the proposal of water supply enterprises within the
municipality.
3.The administration of water supply enterprises operated by public utilities within the municipality.
4.The supervision and guidance of water supply enterprises operated by public utilities and private
entities within the municipality.
5.The approval of matters regarding service areas of water supply enterprises.
6.Other matters regarding water supply enterprises designated by the municipal or central
authority-in-charge.
Article 5
The following matters shall fall under the jurisdiction of authority-in-charge at the country, city or
bureau level:
1.The legislation of rules or regulations governing water supply enterprises within the county, city,
or bureau.
2.The planning and implement of the proposal of water supply enterprises within the county, city or
bureau.
3.The administration of water supply enterprises operated by public utilities within the county, city
or bureau.
4.The supervision and guidance of water supply enterprises operated by public utilities within the
townships or towns.
5.The supervision and guidance of water supply enterprises operated by private entities within the
county, city or bureau
6.Other matters regarding water supply enterprises within the county, city or bureau.
Article 6
The central and municipal authority-in-charge may establish an exclusive agency to assist in the
development, administration, and supervision of water supply enterprises.
Article 7
Water supply enterprises are public utilities. It should be operated by a public entity in principle but
may be operated by private entities with authorized approval.
Article 8
A water supply enterprise operated by the public utility shall be organized as a juristic person as
determined by the central authority-in-charge and operated as a business to facilitate its
development.
Article 9
The water supply enterprises operated by private entities shall be incorporated as a company limited
by share according to law.
Article 10
The quality of water supplied by water supply enterprises shall be clear, colorless, odorless,
tasteless,
having proper pH, and not containing chemical compounds, microorganisms, mineral substances, or
radioactive materials exceeding the stipulated allowance level; the water quality standards shall be
stipulated by the central authority-in-charge in consultation with the central environment protection
authority and central public health authority.
Article 11
For the purpose of protecting water sources, a water supply enterprise may apply to the central
water authority pursuant to the Water Act, or may, based on factual need, request the
authority-in-charge in consultation with other related administrative agencies to designate and
announce a water quality and quantity protection area, and to ban or restrict the following activities
that would harm the water quality or quantity pursuant to this Act or relevant laws:
1.Indiscriminate deforestation or excessive land development.
2.Alternation of river course that affects the self-cleaning ability of water.
3.Quarrying, prospecting or mining that leads to water source pollution.
4.Discharging wastewater from mines, factory, or household that exceeds the stipulated standards or
the quantity stipulated by related authority.
5.Factories with high potential of pollution
6.Building landfills or incinerators, or dumping, placement, or discarding garbage, ash, rock, soil,
sludge, human or animal excrement and urine, waste oil, waste chemical compound, dead animals,
animal carcasses or other substances which might pollute the water sources.
7.Raising pigs or breeding livestock or domestic fowls for the purpose of profit in the catchments of
upstream of important public water intakes stipulated by the environmental protection authority.
8.Breeding livestock or domestic fowls for the purpose of profit.
9.Construction or expansion of golf course.
10.Development of nuclear energy or other energies, or construction of storage or treatment
facilities for radioactive waste.
11.Other activities stipulated and announced by the central authority-in-charge in consultation with
other related authorities as potentially harmful to the quality or quantity of water.
The subparagraphs of the preceding paragraph do not apply to activities that are considered
necessary for the living of residents or local public works and approved by the authority-in-charge.
Article 12
The local authority-in-charge may, after consulting the appropriate government agencies, notify the
owner or user of existing buildings or land in the water quality and quantity protection area
mentioned in the foregoing article that are deemed harmful to the quality or quantity of water, to
remove, improve or change the current use within a specified period. The water supply enterprise
shall compensate the aforesaid owner or user for loss incurred thereof.
Where the parties cannot reach an agreement on the amount of compensation, the
authority-in-charge will decide.
Article 12-1
The land value increment tax, gift tax and estate tax imposed on land located in a water quality and
quantity protection area that is designated as a water sources district under the urban planning
procedure shall be reduced or exempted based on the extent of restriction placed on the use of land.
The districts and criteria that are applicable to reduction or exemption pursuant to Paragraph 1
hereof shall be stipulated by the central authority-in-charge together with the Ministry of Finance,
the Ministry of the Interior, and the Council of Indigenous Peoples, and approved by the Executive
Yuan.
Article 12-2
Drawing surface water or ground water in water quality and quantity protection area shall pay the
central authority-in-charge catchment conservation and compensation fees, unless the water is
supplied in a non-profit manner for domestic use or public use in the protection area. If the water is
supplied for industrial use or public use by a public utility, said public utility may add a 5% to 15%
surcharge to its water bills after obtaining approval from the central authority-in-charge; if the water
is supplied for agricultural use, the central authority-in-charge and the central agriculture authority
should prepare budget for subsidy, and together stipulate the objects and manner of subsidy.
The central authority-in-charge shall, in consultation with relevant government agencies, prescribe
the items, calculation, and rates of aforesaid catchment conservation and compensation fees, as well
as manner of collection, payment formalities, payment period, actions in case of non-payment or
under-payment, method for computing yield, and other provisions by the source of water and the
purpose of use respectively.
The catchment conservation and compensation fees in the first paragraph hereof may be placed
under water resources related funds managed by the central authority-in-charge and used
exclusively on water resources conservation and environmental conservation infrastructure projects,
public welfare of residents in water quality and quantity protection area, and compensation for
landowners whose land use is restricted. Activities that may draw on the catchment conservation
and compensation fees include:
1.Management and maintenance of facilities for water resources conservation, drainage,
eco-tourism,
and other hydraulic facilities;
2.Resident employment counseling, advisory service for local businesses relating to water resources
conservation for public interest, education grant and scholarship, health care, electricity fees, water
fee compensation for domestic use and non-profit purpose, and water resources conservation
relevant local public construction such public welfare activities;
3.Compensation for landowners or related right holders whose land is subject to restricted use due
to delimitation of water quality and quantity protection area;
4.Subsidy for taxation in areas of indigenous peoples;
5.Reserve fund for emergency use;
6.Expenditure relating to the collection of catchment conservation and compensation fees;
7.Necessary activities relating to the use of catchment conservation and compensation fees;and
8.Other matters relating to public interest of residents, water resources education, research and
conservation.
The compensation in subparagraph 3 of the preceding paragraph shall be dispensed in consideration
of the current status of land use, use area and degree of restriction with an administrative contract
entered between the authority-in-charge and the landowner or related right holder. The
compensation shall give precedence to the owners or right holders of private land, and the criteria
for dispensing the compensation and specimen of the administrative contract shall be prescribed by
the central authority-in-charge together with the Council of Indigenous Peoples and relevant
government agencies. The administrative contract shall specify purposes of land use by the
landowner or related right holder and penalty clauses for breach of contract.
The account management board of water quality and quantity protection area shall distribute funds
for the purposes as set forth in subparagraph 1 to 5, 7 and 8 of the preceding paragraph to all
townships (towns, cities, districts) proportionally over the land areas and population of residences.
However, the funds shall give precedence to townships where the indigenous peoples live in.
Households in water quality and quantity protection area are entitled to receive 50% reduction of
their water bills, provided the water is for domestic use and non-profit purpose. The amount of
reduction thereof will be covered by the catchment conservation and compensation fees. The simple
water supply facilities shall be applied as soon as possible to areas of indigenous peoples in the
conservation zone without running water supply system.
For a township (town, city, district) office crossing over two conservation zones, the management
board of each conservation zone shall use the catchment conservation and compensation fees upon
agreement after negotiation and review.
Article 12-3
Water resources related funds shall set up an account for each water quality and quantity protection
area with a management board established for managing and utilizing the funds in the account. The
account management board shall be composed of representatives from relevant central authorities,
local authorities in the water quality and quantity protection area as well as its supply areas, people’s
representative bodies, local residents and reputable citizens. The guidelines for the establishment of
account management team shall be prescribed by the water resources funds management committee.
The local resident representatives on the account management board for water quality and quantity
protection area involving the areas of indigenous peoples shall comprise a number of indigenous
people according to their percentage of population in the protection area; the water resources
conservation and compensation fees collected shall also be spent on the areas of indigenous peoples
by proportion.
The local construction fees levied to assist the water sources districts prior to the promulgation of
the revised Act on June 30, 2004 shall continue to be levied as a surcharge to the water bill before
the collection of water resources conservation and compensation fees; the Measure for Assisting
Local Construction in Taipei Water Sources Districts shall continue to apply.
After the collection of water resources conservation and compensation fees, the local constructions
fees originally levied to assist the water sources districts under the Act will be placed under the
management account for the water sources district.
Article 12-4
Water quality and quantity protection area that fit in one of the following description shall return
assigned water resources conservation and compensation fees to the central authority-in-charge of
water-related funds. These are made available by the central authority-in-charge to designated
county, city, or municipalities government authority-in-charge of the water quality and quantity
protection area to co-ordinate matters handled water resources conservation:
1.Allocation of annual funding to regional office for a period of over five years to a dormant
account.
2.Through the agreement of the account management board account funds may be returned.
Under the agreement of the account management board, water resources conservation in water
quality and quantity protection area and compensation fees may be used in part in villages of the
within the administrative area. This is only limited to public constructions for water resource
conservation.
Article 13
The central authority-in-charge may, in view of the distribution of water sources, constructions and
social-economic conditions, draw up areas for the purpose of water supply.
The drawn water service areas pursuant to Paragraph 1 hereof may be revised or altered by the
central authority-in-charge based on factual needs.
Article 14
The central authority-in-charge may provide guidance to the consolidation of two or more water
supply enterprises in one water service area. If no agreement on the consolidation plan can be
reached, the central authority-in-charge may order the consolidation by administrative decree.
Article 15
Deleted
Article 16
The term “tap water” as referred to herein shall mean sanitary public water supplied through pipes
or other facilities.
Article 17
The term “water supply enterprise” as referred to herein shall mean a business that operates a water
supply business pursuant to this Act.
Article 17-1
The term “simple water supply enterprise” as referred to herein shall mean an organization, group or
business entity that develops its own water source or lawfully obtains water right, and sets up and
manages on its own a simple water supply and treatment system to meet water supply needs.
Article 18
The term ”person-in-charge of a water supply enterprise” as referred to herein shall mean the
persons as defined in relevant regulations for a publicly operated water supply enterprise; or the
persons as defined in Company Law for a privately operated water supply enterprise.
Article 19
The term “exclusive operation right” as referred to herein shall mean the right to operate a water
supply enterprise in a specific water service area with the approval of the authority-in-charge.
Article 20
The term ”water supply equipment” as referred to herein shall mean equipment for water collection,
storage, diversion, treatment, conveyance, and distribution.
Article 21
The term “self-use supply water equipment” as referred to herein shall mean water supply
equipment exclusively for own use and yielding more than 30 cubic meters of water per day.
The term “yield” mentioned in Paragraph 1 hereof shall mean the capacity of equipment to output
water.
Article 22
The term “users” as referred to herein shall mean persons who use water in accordance with the
operating rules of the water supply enterprises.
Article 23
The term ”service equipment” as referred to herein shall mean equipment installed by users for
receiving the supply of water, including intake pipes, water meters, connection pipes, switches,
bypasses, pipes connecting to sanity ware, water hydrant, valves, and pump facilities.
The term “pump facilities” as referred to in the preceding paragraph shall mean pump equipment,
water basin (service reservoir), control room, connection pipes, switches and water hydrants, which
are termed collectively user’s pump and water-receiving facilities installed by users from the outlet
side of main water meter up to the building for connecting to water supply when the water supply
enterprise is unable to supply water pursuant to Article 61 of this Act.
Chapter 2 Exclusive Operation Right
Article 24
An entity that intends to operate a water supply enterprise shall apply to the water conservancy
authority for water right registration, and obtain approvals for constructing, renovating, or
dismantling hydraulic structures related to water right or water source.
The application pursuant to Paragraph 1 hereof shall be examined and forwarded by the
authority-in-charge of water supply enterprises.
Article 25
Within one year from being granted the water right, an entity intending to operate a water supply
enterprise shall submit an application together with the construction and operation plans to the
county (city) authority-in-charge for approval of exclusive operation right by the central
authority-in-charge. Only after obtaining the certificate of exclusive operation right can the entity
commence the water supply works. If the construction work is located in a municipality, the
applicant shall submit the documents to the municipal authority-in-charge for approval.
The municipal authority-in-charge shall file the approval of exclusive operation right pursuant to
Paragraph 1 hereof with the central authority-in-charge. If there are two or more private entities
applying for exclusive operation right in the same area, the central or the municipal
authority-in-charge may notify all private entities concerned to settle the matter within a specified
period. Where no agreement is reached, the dispute shall be decided by the central or the municipal
authority-in-charge.
The required information to be stated in the construction and operation plans pursuant to Paragraph
1 hereof shall be stipulated by the central and the municipal authority-in-charge respectively.
Article 26
When rejecting the application of exclusive operation right, the central or the municipal
authority-in-charge shall notify the water conservancy authority to revoke the water right of the
applicant.
Article 27
The certificate of exclusive operation right shall state the following information:
1.The name and location of the water supply enterprise;
2.The person-in-charge of the water supply enterprise;
3.The registration number of water right certificate;
4.The water service area;
5.Major water supply equipment;
6.Capital; and
7.Other required information.
The information on the certificate pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall not be changed unless
with the approval of the central or the municipal authority-in-charge. A new certificate of exclusive
operation right shall be issued if there is any change to the certificate.
Article 28
The duration of exclusive operation right is 30 years from the date of grant.
Article 29
For the purpose of standardizing the application, approval, and revocation of exclusive operation
right, the central authority-in-charge may promulgate the regulations governing the exclusive
operation right of water supply enterprises.
Article 30
After an entity that intends to operate a water supply enterprise has been granted the certificate of
exclusive operation right and in any of the following circumstances relating to the implementation
of construction and operation plans pursuant to Paragraph 1 of Article 25 herein, the central
authority-in-charge will revoke its exclusive operation right as informed by the county (city)
authority-in-charge, unless the entity has been granted an extension by the central or the municipal
authority-in-charge by showing reasonable causes; the revocation of exclusive operation right will
be effected by the municipal authority-in-charge if the circumstance occurs in the municipality:
1.The work has not commenced in three months after the approved date of commencement;
2.The work has not been finished in one year after the approved date of completion; or
3.Water supply has not begun in three months after the approved date of water service.
Article 31
After finishing the construction of facilities, an entity that intends to operate a water supply
enterprise shall not start operation until it has passed the inspection of central authority-in-charge
and received the business license. An entity who submitted the application to municipal
authority-in-charge shall not start operation until it has passed the inspection of municipal
authority-in-charge and received the business license.
Water right and water source related hydraulic structures that require application to the authority in
charge of water work for approval pursuant to the Water Act shall be inspected by the same
authority.
Article 32
Unless approved by the central or the municipal authority-in-charge, a water supply enterprise shall
not cease business. A water supply enterprise that has been approved to cease business shall turn in
its business license to the central or the municipal authority-in-charge for cancellation within thirty
(30) days after the approval.
Article 33
The delivery line of a water supply enterprise may pass through water service areas served by other
water supply enterprises with the approval of the authority-in-charge.
Article 34
Except under the following circumstances, a water supply enterprise shall not supply water beyond
its designated area:
1.Having the approval of the authority-in-charge to supply water to another water supply enterprise.
2.Upon the order of the authority-in-charge to supply water to national defense industry.
3.Having the approval of the authority-in-charge to supply water to residents who live in areas
without tap water and request water supply.
4.When another water supply enterprise in adjacent areas stops water supply due to a disaster or
other emergency events and can not repair the equipments in time, that urgent and temporary water
supply is necessary.
Article 35
The transfer of a water supply enterprise is subject to the approval of the central or the municipal
authority-in-charge, and effected by the issue of a new certificate of exclusive operation right.
Article 36
The exclusive operation right shall not be the subject of hypothecation or any other rights except for
transfer.
Article 37
Deleted
Article 38
A public water supply enterprise shall apply for renewal of exclusive operation right one year before
the expiry of right; the authority-in-charge may take over a private water supply enterprise upon the
expiry of its exclusive operation right by notifying said enterprise of its decision two years before
the expiration date.
For a private water supply enterprise that the authority-in-charge decides to take over after the
expiry of its exclusive operation right, the authority-in-charge may set a date for take-over, and
negotiate or determine the purchase price according to Article 14 herein.
If the authority-in-charge did not notify a private water supply enterprise of its decision to take over
according to the provisions above, the authority-in-charge should grant approval if said water supply
enterprise applies for renewal of exclusive operation right.
The exclusive operation right may be renewed for a period of ten years each time.
Article 39
A private water supply enterprise that does not intend to continue the operation after the expiry of its
exclusive operation right shall submit its intention to the central authority-in-charge through the
county (city) authority-in-charge two years before the expiry; the water supply enterprises in a
municipality shall submit their intention to the municipal authority-in-charge.
After receiving the intention under Paragraph 1 hereof, the central or the municipal
authority-in-charge should proceed to plan the transfer to a public utility or offer it to the public for
take-over. Where the matter is handled by the municipal authority-in-charge, the municipal
authority-in-charge shall report the process to the central authority-in-charge for future reference.
Article 40
Where a private water supply enterprise is to be transferred to the government and the parties
concerned cannot reach an agreement on the purchase price, the government and the private entity
will each appoint two experts, who in turn will jointly recommend another expert to form a
five-person valuation commission to determine the price by the following methods:
1.Appraise the price based on the total existing assets of the water supply enterprise.
2.Appraise the price based on the start-up costs of the water supply enterprises, and the prices of all
assets bought and improvements made during the operation period less the prices of scrapped
equipment, allowance for depreciation, reserves set aside, and user provident fund.
When no agreement can be reached on the appointment of the fifth expert pursuant to Paragraph 1
hereof, the experts appointed by both parties will each name two or more experts for the court
chosen by the government and the private entity to decide.
Article 41
The real property and water supply equipment managed or owned by a water supply enterprises
shall not be disposed or hypothecated without the prior approval of the central or the municipal
authority-in-charge.
Any disposal or hypothecation that violates Paragraph 1 hereof shall be invalidated.
Chapter 3 Construction and Equipment
Article 42
The central and the municipal authority-in-charge shall stipulate the engineering standards for the
facilities of the water supply enterprises separately.
The engineering standards for hydraulic structures relating to water rights and water sources that
require approval from the water conservancy authority pursuant to the Water Act shall be stipulated
by the water conservancy authority.
Article 43
A water supply enterprise shall have be equipped with the following facilities:
1.The water intake equipment shall have the power to draw the necessary volume of raw water.
2.The water storage equipment shall have necessary capacity to ensure sufficient supply of raw
water during the drought season.
3.The water diversion equipment shall be installed with proper water pump, aqueduct, and other
equipment to transport the necessary raw water.
4.The water purification equipment shall be installed with proper sedimentation tanks, filtering
tanks, disinfecting, water quality monitoring, and other water treatment systems.
5.The water conveyance equipment shall be installed with proper water pump, pipes, and other
equipment to convey the necessary clean water.
6.The water distribution equipment shall be installed with proper service reservoir, water pump,
distribution pipelines, and other distribution equipment.
Article 44
A water supply enterprise shall constantly examine and record the quality and quantity of water
from its source.
Article 45
A water supply enterprise shall record daily the quality control of water, the operations of water
supply equipment, the volume and the pressure of water supply for future inspection.
Article 46
A water supply enterprise shall install fire hydrants for the purpose of public safety. The central and
the municipal authorities-in-charge, in consultation with the fire safety authority will stipulate the
installation standards.
The local governments of city, county or township at where the fire hydrants are located shall
reasonably subsidize the installation of fire hydrants.
Article 47
The water conveyance and distribution pipelines of the water supply system shall not be connected
with other lines.
Article 48
To prevent breakdown of water supply, a water supply enterprise shall be equipped with proper
backup system and rigorously adopt applicable measures to reduce the possibilities and time of
water supply interruption.
Article 49
A water supply enterprise shall regularly inspect all the equipment and record the results of
inspection. The central and the municipal authority-in-charge shall stipulate the measure for
inspection separately.
Article 50
The service equipment of water users shall be installed in accordance with the established standards.
Water service to users shall not begin until the aforementioned equipment has been found qualified
by the water supply enterprise or by a professional organization designated by the water supply
enterprise.
The central authority-in-charge shall stipulate the standards for service equipment.
Article 51
A water supply enterprise, based on engineering needs, may use the river, ditches, bridges, culverts,
protecting embankments, roads and so on without interfering with their original usage after
consulting with the authority-in-charge.
Article 52
When necessary, a water supply enterprise in its service area or municipality, county (city)
government in the areas under the jurisdiction may lay pipes or other equipments under private or
public land. The water supply enterprise shall notify the land owner or user of the restitution in
advance, then proceed to restoring the land to its original condition after the completion of
construction.
Article 53
A water supply enterprise shall choose the least damage-inducing locations and invasive approaches
to the use of public or private land pursuant to article 52. Any resulting damage shall be
compensated to the extent of loss.
When dispute arise regarding the issues of locations, approaches, and compensation in the preceding
paragraph, the following subjects: Land owner or the user may apply to the municipality, county
(city) authority-in-charge for resolution.
The standard rule of compensation and dispute in the preceding paragraph is enacted by the central
authority-in-charge.
Once compensation payment or deposit is approved as described in paragraph 2, the land owner or
the user can not refuse a water supply enterprise or municipal or county (city) government use to the
water service. A water supply enterprise may also request the assistance of the municipal or county
(city) government to be authorized to use the water service.
Article 54
A water supply enterprise may be entitled to compensation if the pipes or other equipments installed
under public road or designated land in urban planning zone according to Articles 51 and 52 herein
must be relocated or removed due to a change of urban planning. The amount of compensation will
be agreed upon by the parties concerned through negotiation, or by the authority-in-charge if no
such agreement is reached.
Article 55
When a water supply enterprise discovers that the water it supplies is not sanitary, it shall issue
warnings on the local newspapers or announce it by other means. The water supply enterprise shall
also extensively notify the related parties and remedy the situations at the same time. If the sanitary
problem is serious enough to harm the health of users, the water supply enterprise shall promptly
report it to the municipal or country (city) authority for permission to stop the water supply.
Any person who discovers that tap water is not sanitary or harmful to the human health should
promptly notify the water supply enterprise to take actions.
Article 56
The planning, design, supervision, and appraisal of an engineering work of water supply enterprises
that is above certain scale as designated by the central authority-in-charge shall be certified by
lawfully registered and practicing hydraulic engineers or engineers in related fields.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, water supply works initiated by a government agency or a public
water supply enterprise may be certified by lawfully qualified hydraulic engineers or engineers in
related fields working for the agency or enterprise.
The specialties of engineers in related fields will be announced by the central authority-in-charge in
consultation with the central authority in charge of engineers.
Article 57
The chief engineer and engineers employed by a water supply enterprise must be registered and
certified. Other construction, management, testing, and operating personnel of a water supply
enterprise shall possess professional skills and knowledge and have passed specific examinations.
The central authority-in-charge shall stipulate the measure for the exanimations pursuant to
Paragraph 1 hereof.
Chapter 4 Operation
Article 58
A water supply enterprise shall draw up operating rules, and announce and implement the rules after
obtaining approval from the authority-in-charge. Any amendment of the operating rules shall be
filed with the authority-in-charge for approval.
The operating rules pursuant to Paragraph 1 hereof shall contain the conditions of supply water and
the agreements between the water supply enterprise and users.
Article 59
The pricing of water supply shall take into account the quality of water and a reasonable profit after
deducting the costs from the income. The calculation formula and detail items shall be stipulated by
the authority-in-charge; those stipulated by the municipal, county or city authority-in-charge shall
be submitted to the central authority-in-charge for approval.
Detailed pricing of water supply or any water rate adjustment proposed by a water supply enterprise
shall be approved by the authority-in-charge; the proposal approved by the municipal, county or city
authority-in-charge shall be filed with the central authority-in-charge for future reference.
If it is negative growth of units used by a user as comparing to the same period in previous year, the
water supply enterprise may give discount to the user depending on profit or loss of the enterprise.
The authority-in-charge shall establish the procedures altogether with water supply enterprise.
The reasonable profit pursuant to Paragraph 1 hereof shall be assessed based on the fair value of
investment, the interest rate of local banks, and local profit level.
Article 60
The central authority-in-charge shall organize a water rate review commission comprised of
representatives from government agencies, consumer groups, scholars and experts to take charge of
water rate adjustment. The organizational charter of the commission shall be prescribed by the
central authority-in-charge.
Article 60-1
(Deleted)
Article 61
A water supply enterprise, unless with just reasons, shall not refuse the request of water supply in its
service area.
When residents apply to access to tap water supply, the fee of external service equipment for the
service may budgeted annually by the government subsidy and priority is given to low-income
households. Likewise, for users of simple water facilities.
Subsidy directive rule the preceding paragraph shall be prescribed by the central
authority-in-charge.
Any person whose request for water service is rejected may apply to the authority-in-charge for
intervention.
Article 61-1
Water supply to the user`s pump and water-receiving facilities described in Article 23 herein shall
not start until the ownership or the right of superficies of the private land on which the facilities are
installed has registered under the user.
The public land on which the facilities are installed should obtain the management office's license or
consent.
Lands of existing roads on which the facilities are installed but is not owned by the user is entitled
to use the land for at least ten (10) years since the initiation of tap water by a water supply
enterprise.
Prior to obtaining the ownership of the land, given that the municipal and county (city)
authority-in-charge agree issue an agreement and that the user ensures the project is complete under
restitution; the user is deemed to have the superficies right of the land and may carry out necessary
maintenance and upgrades.
Users shall choose the least damage-inducing locations and invasive approaches to the use of other
people’s land. Any resulting damages shall be compensated to the extent of loss.
When disputes arise regarding the issues of locations, approaches, and compensations in the
preceding paragraphs, the following subjects: tap water user, land ownership or the user may apply
to the municipality, county (city) of authority-in-charge for resolution.
Approved compensation in the paragraph 5 shall herein apply to the standard rule of paragraph 3 of
Article 53.
The pump and water-receiving equipment described in paragraph 1 may be managed by a water
supply enterprise after the owner or the representative of the management committee has made
application and acquired the consent from the water supply enterprise. The water supply enterprise
may charge the owner or the management committee facilities for improvement fees, operating and
maintenance fees as well as all other necessary expenses. The water supply enterprise shall provide
and summarize a list of service schedule fees and submit a duplicate copy to the authority-in-charge
for reference.
Article 61-2
Where intake pipes for receiving the supply of water cannot be constructed without making use of
the land of another or where they can only be constructed through the incurring of excessive
expenses, the user is entitled to construct the said pipes under the land of another.
Where lands of existing planned roads or private lands but used as existing public highways, roads
or laneways, under which intake pipes for receiving the supply of water are installed with
construction permissions given by the municipal or county (city) authority-in-charge, users are free
from obtaining agreements or superficies from owners and may carry out necessary maintenance
and upgrades.
Where lands of another, private of public, under which intake pipes for receiving the supply of
water are installed, the place and method of construction causing the least injury to such other lands
shall be chosen and compensation shall be made.
When disputes arise regarding the issue of choice of place, method and compensation provided in
the preceding paragraph, the tap water user, land ownership or the user may apply to the municipal,
county or city authority-in-charge for an administrative resolution or initiate a mediation to the
townships and county-administered cities mediation committee. If the mediation cannot be
successful, the parties shall bring the case before the judicial authorities within 30 days after
receiving the certificate of failure of the mediation issued by the committee.
Lands of existing planned roads or private lands but used as existing public highways, roads or
laneways, concerning compensation provided in the preceding paragraph, are applicable to the
discretionary standard provided in Paragraph 3, Article 53.
Once the administrative resolution applied to the municipal, county or city authority-in-charge by
the land ownership or the user as provided in Paragraph 4 is approved, and the compensation
responded to the applicant by the tap water user is granted or is lodged with a court, the land
ownership or the user cannot refuse the use of the tap water user, the water supply enterprise or the
municipal, county or city authority-in-charge. The tap water user and the water supply enterprise
can also request the municipal, county or city authority-in-charge to remove obstruction and use the
land.
Article 62
A water supply enterprise shall supply water to users on a continuous basis. The water supply
enterprise shall publicly announce the districts and time of service interruption in advance and
report it to the local authority if water supply will be suspended in part or in whole due to a disaster,
emergency measures or construction. If the suspension of water supply is an unprepared event, the
water supply enterprise may report it to the local authority afterwards for future reference. In case of
special circumstances that a water supply enterprise must suspend water supply continuously for
over 12 hours or supply water only during fixed hours, it shall obtain the approval from the local
authority-in-charge and make public announcement beforehand.
Users are not entitled to any compensation for the interruption of water service pursuant to
Paragraph 1 hereof.
Article 63
A water supply enterprise should make best efforts to install water meters and charge water by units
where one unit is one cubic meter. The water supply enterprises may set up the basic units per
month after obtaining approval from the authority-in-charge.
A water supply enterprise may charge users for the installation of water meters pursuant to
Paragraph 1 hereof.
Article 64
A water supply enterprise may charge users who do not have water meters installed by other
methods as approved by the authority-in-charge. The water supply enterprises may also set up the
minimum rates per month for those users.
Article 65
A water supply enterprise may charge individual users subsidy fees up to one half of the cost
incurred from adding or installing new pipes for those users residing in areas without pipelines.
Article 66
In case of water supply pursuant to subparagraph 3 of Article 34 herein, the water supply enterprise
may collect a surcharge after obtaining the approval of authority-in-charge.
Article 67
A water supply enterprise shall not charge the use of water for fire-fighting purpose, and shall give
rate discount to the use of water for other public purposes. The measure for rate discount shall be
stipulated by the local authority-in-charge.
Article 68
A water supply enterprise may dispatch its employees in uniform and with identification to inspect
the equipment of users, record the volume of water consumption or collect water payments during
daylight hours. The users may not refuse those actions unless with just reasons.
Article 69
Where it is necessary for a water supply enterprise to look into and handle cases of water theft or
illegal use of water, it may proceed according to the provisions pursuant to Article 68 and request
the assistance of local military police or police at any time.
Article 70
A water supply enterprise may suspend water service to users under any of the following
circumstances:
1.The user engaged in water theft with concrete evidence shown.
2.The equipment installed by user or the way of installment failed meet the requirements upon
inspection and the situation was not remedied during a given period.
3.The user refused inspection pursuant to Article 68 or 69 herein without due causes.
4.The user’s payment is two months in arrears after being given the notice.
5.The user refused the installation of water meter.
6.The user violated Article 47 herein and failed to remedy the situation as requested.
The water supply enterprise shall restore water supply to the user after the cause of service
suspension pursuant to Paragraph 1 hereof ceases to exist.
Article 71
For the act of water theft, a water supply enterprise may seek indemnification from the offender in
an amount equal to three months to one year of water fees in view of the equipment installed, the
hours of water service, and the local conditions of water supply.
Article 72
Users may ask the water supply enterprise to check the service equipment or water meters that fail
or do not work properly, or check unclean water supply.
Except for breakdown or inaccuracy of water meters, or unclean water supply, the water supply
enterprises may charge the users for services rendered under Paragraph 1 hereof.
Chapter 5 Self-use Water Supply Equipment
Article 73
Person who plan to install water supply equipment for self-use may not start the construction until
they have submitted the application and construction plan to the local authority-in-charge for
registration and approval.
Persons who have installed water supply equipment for self-use before the promulgation of this Act
shall submit the documents to register within 6 months from the promulgation of this Act.
Article 74
After finishing the construction of self-use water supply equipment, users shall request the local
authority-in-charge to make inspection and forward the request to the water conservancy authority
to examine hydraulic structures relating to water rights and water sources. Water supply to the
aforementioned equipment shall not begin until the user has been issued a certificate for the
equipment.
Article 75
If there are any changes to major items registered for the self-use water supply equipment, its owner
shall update the registration with the local authority-in-charge in one month from the date of change.
Article 76
In addition to emergency water supply in the event of a disaster or emergency, surplus of water from
self-use water supply equipment may be supplied for the following purposes, subject to the approval
of the local authority-in-charge:
1.Temporary water supply to areas without tap water under the request of residents.
2.Sold to local water supply enterprises for water supply.
Article 77
The quality of tap water from self-use water supply equipment shall meet the standards prescribed
in Article 10 herein.
Article 78
The owner of self-use water supply equipment shall appoint a manager or act as the manager if no
such appointment is made.
Article 79
Articles 47, 51, 56, and 86 herein are applicable to self-use water supply equipment.
Chapter 6 Supervision and Guidance
Article 80
The authority-in-charge shall order the stoppage of water supply construction or operation that did
not apply for approval in compliance of this Act.
Article 81
The management of a water supply enterprise and its personnel requiring to possess specific
qualifications pursuant to Article 57 shall be reported to the authority-in-charge for future reference
within fifteen days from the date of taking office or dismissal.
Article 82
The authority-in-charge may order a poorly run water supply enterprise to improve its operation
within a given period; if the water supply enterprise fails to comply, the authority-in-charge may
write up a supervision plan for approval by its superior and then proceed with the monitoring
activities and help the water supply enterprise reorganize its business and continue the water supply.
The supervision under Paragraph 1 will stop after the water supply enterprise has completed the
reorganization to the satisfaction of the authority-in-charge.
Article 83
Where a water supply enterprise refuses the supervision of the authority-in-charge or refuses to
carry out reorganization, or is uncooperative during the supervision period that causes failure in the
implementation of supervision plan, the authority-in-charge may regard the water supply enterprise
as lacking the intent to continue operation and take actions pursuant to Article 39 herein.
Article 84
Where the quality of water supplied by a water supply enterprise does not meet the established
standards, the authority-in-charge shall demand remedial actions, or order the suspension of water
supply if the situation is of serious nature.
Article 85
Where the main equipment of a water supply enterprise does not meet the established requirements,
the authority-in-charge shall demand its repair or replacement in a given period, or order the
discontinuation of its use if there is a hazard concern.
Article 86
The authority-in-charge may inspect the facilities, water quality, water quantity, water pressure
equipment, and the books of a water supply enterprise and ask for related data and records.
The water conservancy authority may inspect hydraulic structures relating to water rights and water
sources pursuant to the Water Act at any time. And a water supply enterprise may not refuse such
inspections.
Article 87
Water supply enterprises shall file monthly and annual reports with the authority-in-charge.
The central authority-in-charge shall stipulate the format and the methods of report preparation.
Article 88
When a water supply enterprises expands, replaces, or dismantle its main equipment, it shall submit
detailed engineering plans to the authority-in-charge for approval. Plans for hydraulic structures
relating to water rights and water sources under the Water Act shall be forwarded to the water
conservancy authority for approval.
Article 89
In addition to complying with other laws and regulations, the issuing of bonds or capital
increase/decrease by a water supply enterprise shall be reported to the central authority-in-charge
for approval.
Article 90
A water supply enterprise shall not charge users any other fees than those specified in its approved
operating rules. In case of violation, the authority-in-charge shall order the water supply enterprise
to refund the overcharge to users.
Article 91
For the purpose of promoting public health and safety, the authority-in-charge may order plants,
restaurants, hotels, and other public places in its water service areas to hook up tap water.
Article 92
Upon discovering activities in violation of Article 47 herein, the authority-in-charge may order the
offender to rectify the situation or force the dismantling of connection.
Article 93
Water pipe installation contractors shall be registered with the local municipal or county (city)
government and join a the related water pipe related trade association before starting business. The
mechanics of water pipe installation contractors shall not start to work until having passed the
examination and received a certificate.
Unless otherwise the installation and operational construction is authorized by Water Supply
Enterprise or designated in an island region with no respective authority. The installation of water
pipeline from users’ residential water meter to water slug, requires Water Supply Users to apply for
a water use permit from Water Supply Enterprise before reporting the completion of the said tasks to
the Water Supply Enterprise and submitting a member certification of completion issued by the
related water pipe construction association.
The measure for examining the mechanics of water pipe installation contractors shall be stipulated
by the central authority-in-charge.
Article 93-1
A water pipe installation contractors shall hang its registration certificate at a conspicuous spot in its
office and the work manual issued shall only be used for verification by engineering units.
The material used by water pipe installation contractors shall meet appropriate and applicable
standards.
The municipal or county (city) government at where the water pipe installation contractor is
registered will issue warning if the contractor violates the provisions in Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2
herein.
Article 93-2
If a water pipe installation contractor has any of the following conditions, the municipal or county
(city) government at where the contractor is registered shall impose the penalty of business
suspension for no less than six months and no more than two years:
1.Receiving warning three times or more in one year for violation of Article 93-1;
2.Taking on projects in violation of the regulations for classification of contractors or employing
full-time technician or mechanics in violation of the regulations for classification and qualifications;
3.Failing to apply for change of registration in violation of the regulations specified in Article 93-6
herein; or
4.Violating the regulations specified in Article 93-6 in work or operation/ management related
matters and the violation is of serious nature.
Article 93-3
If a water pipe installation contractor has any of the following conditions, the municipal or county
(city) authority-in-charge shall annul its business permit:
1.Losing the ability to carry on business or having closed down business for more than two years
without applying for resumption of business within a prescribed period;
2.Receiving the penalty of business suspension and not turning in its permit, work manual, or work
permit of technicians to the authority-in-charge within a prescribed period after being notified so;
3.Receiving the penalty of business suspension two or more times within two years and receiving
the penalty of business suspension for a cumulative duration of three years or longer;
4.Selling or lending others the business permit, or using other’s business permit; or
5.Engaging in bid rigging.
Water pipe installation contractor who had its business permit annulled may not reapply pursuant to
Paragraph 1, Article 93 in three years.
Article 93-4
If the technician of a water pipe installation contractor does not carry his work permit on the job, the
local authority-in-charge at where the permit is registered shall issue a warning.
Article 93-5
If the technician of a water pipe installation contractor has been warned three or more times, altering
his work permit or letting others use it, the local authority-in-charge at where the permit is
registered shall impose a penalty of work stoppage for no less than two months and no more than
six months.
The technician of a water pipe installation contractor who has received the penalty of work stoppage
two or more times will have his work permit be annulled by the authority-in-charge and cannot be
hired by a water pipe installation contractor within one year.
Article 93-6
The regulations governing the qualifications, criteria, and procedure for permit application by water
pipe installation contractor, classification of water pipe installation contractor, as well as
employment, qualifications of technical personnel, and other requirements shall be stipulated by the
central authority-in-charge.
Article 94
For the purpose of quickly restoring water supply, a water supply enterprise that sustains severe
damages by the act of God may ask the central government or local government for a loan of
materials or funds.
Article 95
The local government, military, military police and policeman have the responsibility to protect all
facilities of water supply enterprises at any time.
Chapter 6-1 Water Conservation
Article 95-1
When juristic persons, groups and individuals sell the water equipment, sanitary ware or other
equipment designated by the central authority-in-charge for domestic, a Water Efficiency Label
shall be labeled on such equipment or ware.
The issuance, labeling, expiration, extension, revocation, cancelation, examination of sale and
installation, and other regulations of a Water Efficiency Label pursuant to Paragraph 1 hereof shall
be stipulated by the central authority-in-charge.
The type, scope, and effective date of the water equipment, sanitary ware or other equipment labeled
with a Water Efficiency Label pursuant to Paragraph 1 hereof shall be announced by the central
authority-in-charge.
Article 95-2
The central authority-in-charge shall encourage the private participation in the research and
development of water-saving technologies and stipulate the related incentives.
Chapter 7 Penal Provisions
Article 96
Any person who interferes with water conservation or circulation, or pollutes water in a water
quality and quantity protection area and ignores the instruction of the authority to discontinue the
act shall be punished with a sentence of imprisonment of no more than one year, detention, or a fine
of no more than five hundred yuan.
Article 97
Any person who vandalizes the main water supply facilities or engages in other actions causing the
main water supply facilities to break down and become unable to supply water shall be punished
with a sentence of imprisonment of no more than five years.
Any person who turns on water supply facilities without the permission of the water supply
enterprise and thereby impedes water supply shall be punished with a fine of no more than five
hundred yuan.
Any person who violates Paragraph 1 hereof due to negligence shall be punished with a sentence of
imprisonment of no more than half a year, detention, or a fine of no more than five hundred yuan.
Article 98
The following activities are considered water theft and subject to the punishment of a sentence of
imprisonment of no more than five years, detention, or a fine of no more than five hundred yuan.
1.Taking water from the water supply network without the permission of water supply enterprise.
2.Bypassing the water meter by connecting private pipes to water supply network.
3.Vandalizing or modifying the structure of water meter, or rendering the water meter to fail or
inaccurate.
4.Taking water from fire hydrant without the permission of water supply enterprise, except for the
purpose of extinguishing fire.
Article 98-1
If the water equipment, sanitary ware or other equipment sold for domestic is not labeled with a
Water Efficiency Label pursuant to Paragraph 1 of Article 95-1, the juristic persons, groups and
individuals shall be punished with a fine of no less than forty thousand yuan and no more than two
hundred thousand yuan and ordered to improve its operation within a given period; if the juristic
persons, groups and individuals fails to comply, the authority-in-charge may fine the juristic
persons,
groups and individuals per violation.
Article 99
Any person who builds water supply facilities or operates a water supply enterprise without the
approval of authority-in-charge by application according to this Act shall be punished with a fine of
no less than one thousand yuan and no more than three thousand yuan.
Article 100
Any person who violates Article 47 herein and fails to take remedial actions within a prescribed
period as notified by the authority-in-charge or the water supply enterprise shall be punished with a
fine of no more than one thousand yuan.
Article 101
A water supply enterprise shall be punished with a fine of no more than one thousand yuan if its
water does not meet the standards stipulated in Article 10 herein.
The person-in-charge of a water supply enterprise, his/her representative, or employee in charge of
water quality control who is aware that the water quality supplied is below the standard stipulated in
Article 10 herein but continues to supply the water to users and causes diseases shall be punished
with a sentence of imprisonment of no more than five years.
Any person who supplies water below the standards stipulated in Article 10 hereof due to
negligence shall be punished with a sentence of imprisonment of no more than two years, detention,
or a fine of no less than five hundred and no more than one thousand yuan.
Article 102
A water supply enterprise that violates the provisions of Article 32, Article 39 or Article 62 hereof
by stopping operation or water supply at its own discretion shall be punished with a fine of no less
than two thousand and no more than six thousand yuan.
The person-in-charge of a water supply enterprise, his/her representative, or employee who
intentionally violates the provisions of Article 32 or Article 62 by stopping water supply that leads
to public endangerment or hazardous events will be sentenced no more than five-year
imprisonment.
Those who cause suspension of water supply out of negligence which leads to public endangerment
or hazardous events will be sentenced no more than two-year imprisonment, community service,
and be fined no more than two thousand yuan.
Article 103
A water supply enterprise that disobeys the order of the authority-in-charge issued according to
Article 85 herein shall be punished with a fine of no more than three thousand yuan.
Article 104
A water supply enterprise that charge users fees beyond those specified in its approved operating
rules shall be punished with a fine that is three times of the overcharge.
A water supply enterprise that charges users fees not according to the approved water rates or basic
unit, or charges users additional fees shall be punished with a fine which is three times of the
overcharge.
Article 105
A water supply enterprise having any of the conditions below shall be punished with a fine of no
more than three thousand yuan:
1.Violating Article 31 herein by running a water supply enterprise without authorized approval.
2.Violating Article 33 herein by breaching the exclusive operation right of other water supply
enterprises.
3.Violating Article 34 herein by supplying water to areas outside its water service area.
4.Violating Article 35 herein by transferring the exclusive operation right to others without
approval.
5.Violating Article 41 herein by disposing or hypothecating real property or water supply facility.
Article 106
A water supply enterprise having any of the conditions below shall be punished with a fine of no
more than five hundred yuan:
1.Violating Paragraph 2 of Article 27.
2.Non-complying with Paragraph 1 of Article 57 in employment.
3.Violating Paragraph 1 of Article 61 by refusing water service.
4.Non-complying with Article 81 in reporting to the authority-in-charge for future reference.
5.Violating Article 86 by refusing inspection.
6.Non-complying with Article 87 in report filing.
7.Violating Article 88 by doing something without authorized approval.
People installing water supply equipment for self-use will be penalized in accordance with the
preceding paragraph if they violate any of Article 73 through Article 75.
Article 107
For anyone who violates Paragraph 1 of Article 93 herein in water pipe installation work or a water
pipe installation contractor who has had business permit annulled pursuant to Article 93-3, the
authority-in-charge will order suspension of business and impose a fine of no more than three
hundred yuan.
A water pipe installation contractor who receives the penalty of business suspension for violating
subparagraph 2 of Article 93-2 shall be fined no more than three hundred yuan.
Article 108
Anyone who is not a qualified pipe technician but employed by a contractor or whose license has
been annulled according to Paragraph 2 of Article 93-5 shall be fined no more than one hundred
yuan in addition to being barred from engaging in water pipe installation work.
Article 109
People who fail to pay the fine imposed pursuant to this Act will be turned over to the court for
compulsory enforcement.
Chapter 8 Supplementary Provisions
Article 110
Articles 9, 43, 46 and 59 herein do not apply to simple water supply enterprises defined as water
supply enterprises that supply less than 3,000 cubic meters of water a day, whereas the municipal or
county (city) authority-in-charge will stipulate separate autonomous regulations for simple water
supply enterprises.
Article 57 herein does not apply to simple water supply enterprises depicted in the foregoing
paragraph that supply less than 300 cubic meters of water a day.
A simple water supply enterprise as depicted in the foregoing two paragraphs may have a water
supply enterprise manage or take over its water supply system after its owner or the representative
of its management committee has applied for and obtained the consent of said water supply
enterprise.
Article 110-1
A water supply enterprise may charge a simple water supply enterprise whose water supply system
it (referring to the water supply enterprise) manages reasonable operating and maintenance fees and
other necessary expenses during the management period. The water supply enterprise will set the
fee schedule for the aforesaid purpose and file it with the authority-in-charge for reference.
The owner or the management committee of the simple water supply enterprise shall hand over
gratuitously its water supply system facilities, plant, and water right deed in an itemized manner to
the water supply enterprise for use and management over the management period.
For a simple water supply enterprise depicted in the foregoing paragraph whose water supply
system is taken over, its owner or management committee shall hand over gratuitously the titles to
its water supply system facilities and plants in an itemized manner to the water supply enterprise.
If a simple water enterprise depicted in the foregoing two paragraphs has used the land for its
facilities for more than ten (10) years, the registration for transfer of superficies rights or titles is
waived. In such event, the water supply enterprise that takes over may use the land gratuitously and
is deemed to own the superficies rights.
Following the amendment of the Act on January 5, 2007, newly established simple water supply
enterprises that supply more than 100 cubic meters a day shall apply for management or take-over
by a water supply enterprise in areas where it has laid pipes and commence water supply after the
application has been approved and its system has been incorporated into the water supply system.
Article 111
Water supply enterprises operating prior to the promulgation of this Act shall be in compliance with
this Act in one year after the promulgation.
Article 112
The central authority-in-charge will stipulate the enforcement rules of this Act.
Article 113
This Act will be enforced on the date of promulgation.
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