Access to drinking water is the most essential for health and well-being. Rapid population expansion, urbanization, and increased water requirements from the agricultural, industrial, and energy sectors are all contributing to an increase in demand for water. Moreover, as a result of climate change, deteriorating water-related ecosystems and indecisively water availability is also challenging for water sector in servicing drinking water. Energy for water has also been an important issue, as the energy consumption for water sectors could be as high as 5-6% of regional energy used. As United Nations announced that carbon neutrality by 2050 has become the world’s most urgent mission, how to reduce energy consumption for water treatment is also an important task for engineers and scientists in water research.

It has quite challenging for maintain the efficient treatment and low energy consumption to produce drinking water for communities. Therefore, NCKU Taiwan, ITS Indonesia, and UA New Zealand would like to collaborate in focusing on SDSs 6, 7, and 13. In addition, the project will also invite more woman students and engineers to join the project, enabling the reduction of gender inequality (SDG 5). The 2023 project will be emphasized to formulate alternative solutions for chemical and energy reduction based on water quality issues and water treatment plant capability.

The production of drinking water requires a significant amount of chemical and energy, resulting in significant production cost and carbon emissions. Providing affordable drinking water is significant that should be reached without neglecting Sustainable Development Goal 13 related to climate action. The 2023 project will be highlighted the potential carbon emissions and drinking water production cost reduction. Furthermore, the research goals to enhance a collaboration between universities and water sectors to achieve sustainable drinking water services in Taiwan, Indonesia, and New Zealand.