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• $3M investment will fund a gravel-based ecological treatment system projected to purify 450M+ gallons of water annually.
• Google’s data center in Changhua County is using non-potable industrial water for cooling, reducing strain on local freshwater sources.
• A pilot precision irrigation project aims to cut water waste in rice farming by replacing flood irrigation with gravity-powered drip systems.

Google is scaling up water resilience in Taiwan, launching a $3 million initiative to restore water quality in Hsinchu City and strengthen the country’s long-term water security.

In partnership with the Hsinchu City Government and Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment, the tech company is funding an innovative water purification system to address severe pollution in the Xipuzi drainage, a tributary of the Touqian River.

“We’re helping to build more resilient watersheds in Taiwan,” the company said in a statement.

The solution:

A gravel contact oxidation process (GCOP) facility, which leverages gravel beds to filter and biologically break down pollutants. The facility is expected to treat more than 450 million gallons of wastewater annually over the next decade, directly improving the health of aquatic ecosystems and protecting public health by reducing exposure to pathogens.

“The GCOP will help benefit aquatic habitats and protect public health through reduced exposure to harmful pathogens.”

This watershed rehabilitation effort also boosts regional water availability — a critical priority as climate volatility stresses supply chains and urban infrastructure.

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Efficiency at the Core

Google is also optimizing its own water footprint in Taiwan. Since 2022, its Changhua County data center has switched to non-potable industrial water for cooling, conserving valuable potable supplies.

The company is further supporting agriculture through a pilot project with N-Drip that introduces precision drip irrigation to rice farms — a sustainable alternative to traditional flood irrigation.

“These initiatives in Hsinchu City and Changhua County underscore our support for Taiwan’s sustainable future.”

These moves are part of Google’s broader ESG strategy, aligning water sustainability with its existing clean energy commitments in Taiwan, including investments in offshore wind, geothermal, and solar energy.

“By supporting innovative water stewardship solutions and working closely with public and private entities, we aim to create a positive ripple effect and help build more resilient watersheds in Taiwan.”

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