Ministry of Environment Takes Preemptive Measures to Strengthen Water Quality Management After Large-Scale Wildfires

The Ministry of Environment has announced plans to strengthen water quality monitoring and management to minimize the impact on water quality following the recent large-scale wildfires in the Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam regions.

On March 31, the Ministry reported that water quality measurements taken through automatic monitoring stations downstream of wildfire-affected areas such as Wicheon showed no significant changes, remaining at levels similar to those before the wildfires. According to the river environmental standards, the water quality grades for the upper Nakdong River and Wicheon remain "very good" for hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and dissolved oxygen (DO), and "slightly good" for total organic carbon (TOC).

The Ministry, in cooperation with the National Institute of Environmental Research, Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), the Korea Environment Corporation, and local governments, is taking preemptive measures to prepare for the inflow of ash and soil into rivers and dams due to rainwater.

First, a real-time water quality monitoring system will be maintained using two automatic monitoring stations installed downstream of the Imha Dam (Nakdong River) and in Wicheon. In addition, the monitoring frequency at 33 on-site water quality measurement points near wildfire-affected areas will be increased (e.g., from once a week to twice during rainfall), allowing for more detailed water quality assessments. The results of these measurements will be used to scientifically analyze the impact of wildfires on water quality and to develop response strategies.

* 11 upstream and 8 downstream of Imha Dam, 3 in Wicheon, 3 in Nam River, 6 in Hoeya River, and 2 in other areas.

In addition, to minimize the inflow of wildfire debris into rivers and dams, the government plans to install silt fences at key river points in cooperation with local governments.

K-water will survey and promptly collect wildfire debris upstream of the dams before rainfall to prevent pollutants from entering the dams. Further, it will establish an emergency collection system in case the debris flows into the dams.

In addition, silt fences will be installed near water intake points, and efforts will be made to strengthen water quality monitoring and purification processes to ensure the safety of tap water.

Cho Hee-song, Director General of Water Environment Policy Bureau, stated, "As this wildfire occurred on an unprecedented scale, we will closely monitor any changes in water quality and respond proactively."

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division.

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com