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Safe Drinking Water Even in Summer… Busan Water Authority Launches Comprehensive Measures

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Busan Metropolitan City Busan Water Authority (hereinafter referred to as “the Authority”) will implement the “Comprehensive Countermeasures for Summer Natural Disasters” until October 15.

Summer is a period when the importance of water quality management and stable water supply increases due to heavy rainfall and heatwaves. The Authority plans to supply clean and stable tap water through proactive response measures.

The measures will be implemented in two phases: preemptive preparation (April 1–May 14) and disaster response (May 15–October 15).

During the preemptive preparation period (April 1–May 14), intake and water treatment facilities, as well as water supply and distribution systems, will be inspected, and areas vulnerable to power outages and water supply disruptions will be intensively examined to eliminate risk factors in advance. During the disaster response period (May 15–October 15), water quality management, larvae response, and water supply system operations will be strengthened to maintain stable water supply even in emergency situations.

Water quality safety management will also be further strengthened. Upstream areas of major water sources, such as the Maeri and Mulgeum intake stations and the Hoedong Reservoir, will be regularly inspected, and water quality tests covering 11 parameters, including turbidity, will be conducted on both raw and treated water.

In accordance with algae alert levels, monitoring frequency for odor substances and algal toxins will be increased. In the event of algal occurrence, advanced water treatment processes such as activated carbon and ozone will be reinforced to respond to water quality fluctuations.

The system for preventing and responding to larvae occurrence will also be continuously inspected. Regular larvae inspections will be conducted at four water treatment plants, including Deoksan Water Treatment Plant, and at six distribution reservoirs by system, including Jeonpo Reservoir. In addition, hygiene conditions at water treatment plants and reservoirs will be continuously monitored, and in the event of any abnormal signs, immediate sampling and analysis will be conducted, along with cooperation with relevant agencies to identify causes and take prompt action.

On-site response capabilities will also be strengthened. Large-scale construction sites and vulnerable areas, such as Gupo 3 Reservoir, will be inspected in advance, and in the event of power outages, emergency generators and backup equipment will be utilized to minimize water supply interruptions. Furthermore, alternative supply systems, including water supply vehicles and bottled tap water, will be operated in preparation for emergencies.

To strengthen heatwave response, a “Heatwave Situation Room” will be operated. It will be activated immediately upon issuance of a heatwave advisory and will operate from July 1 to September 30.

The situation room will manage water quality, facility operations, and water supply conditions in real time during working hours (09:00–18:00) and maintain a reporting system.

In addition, in the event of a disaster, an integrated response system will be activated in cooperation with related agencies, including central and local governments and fire authorities. Information will be shared through a central situation room, and while restricted water supply will be implemented to the minimum extent, priority will be given to securing domestic water for high-altitude and vulnerable areas.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “Providing clean tap water that citizens can safely drink even during the summer is the most fundamental public service,” adding, “We will do our utmost to ensure uninterrupted water supply through thorough pre-inspections and systematic water quality management.”