Project implementation for two years starting next year... Strengthening tap water management by adding 'foreign substances' category
The photo shows the Incheon Bupyeong Water Purification Plant equipped with insect screens to block larval inflow. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Dong-wook] Gyeongsangbuk-do announced on the 1st that it will promote the 'Water Purification Plant Hygiene Management Improvement Project' to fundamentally prevent cases of insect larvae in tap water in Incheon last July.
To this end, a total project cost of 14.6 billion KRW (7.3 billion KRW national funds, 7.3 billion KRW local funds) will be invested from next year to 2022 in 17 water purification plants across 11 cities and counties including Gimcheon to improve hygiene management at the plants. This follows securing 4.2 billion KRW, which accounts for 16% of the nationwide national funds of 26.2 billion KRW for water purification plant hygiene management improvement projects next year (second largest at the provincial level).
Gyeongbuk Province plans to improve facilities by installing insect-proof equipment at each water purification plant next year to fundamentally block the inflow of larvae and other organisms, thereby enhancing trust in tap water. Major facility improvements include installing covers on filters inside the purification plants, lining filters and drainage basins, and installing fine insect screens on the doors and windows of water purification reservoirs.
Along with facility improvements, the operation methods of the purification plants will also be strengthened. Starting next year, in addition to the existing taste and odor items, the 'foreign substances' item will be newly introduced as a water quality management item based on tap water safety standards that consider the public’s expectations. If foreign substances are detected, drinking suspension and drinking recommendation standards will be presented.
Choi Dae-jin, Director of the Environment, Forestry and Resources Bureau of Gyeongbuk Province, said, "By promoting the water purification plant hygiene management project alongside the ongoing smart water network management system construction project, we can expect a more stable supply of tap water closely related to the lives and health of residents." He added, "We will do our best to manage tap water so that residents can drink it with confidence in the future."
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