Water environment patrol is a concrete approach to engaging the public in water pollution prevention and control and implementing the river patrol policy. On July 13, 2000, an incident involving the illegal dumping of waste liquid into the Qishan River in Kaohsiung caused a pungent odor and the immediate and widespread death of vegetation, fish, and shrimp in the surrounding area. As the pollution spread to a water source area, it disrupted the water supply across Greater Kaohsiung, resulting in water shortages for five consecutive days. To safeguard the public’s drinking water, the heads of Kaohsiung City, Kaohsiung County, and Pingtung County at the time convened a meeting and jointly proposed the establishment of the “Kaohsiung-Pingtung Three-County River Self-Defense Patrol,” which undertook water environment patrol activities and strengthened surveys along the Kaoping River basin. This initiative became the earliest water environment patrol team in Taiwan.

The establishment of the river self-defense patrol awakened public enthusiasm for and engagement in public affairs. Soon afterward, water environment patrol teams began to emerge across counties and cities in southern Taiwan.

The protection of the overall water environment—including rivers, streams, reservoirs, riverbanks, lakes, and oceans—requires the collective efforts of the entire society. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) works with local residents, communities, schools, and civic organizations to promote water environment protection and establish water environment patrol teams across Taiwan. The successful experience in southern Taiwan demonstrated to both the government and the public that civic participation is an essential component of water pollution prevention and control. As a result, water environment patrol teams were established in communities across the country, each reflecting the unique local character and community culture of its area.

The MOENV conducts evaluations of water environment patrol teams in counties and cities and organizes the Outstanding Water Environment Patrol Team Selection every two years. Patrol teams receiving awards are presented with certificates and prizes of equivalent value in recognition of their contributions and achievements.