‘Green Algae Latte’? Gyeongnam Province Will Prevent It in Advance!

Special Inspection of Pollution Sources Upstream of Namgang Dam

Gyeongnam Provincial Government. / Photo by Ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Gyeongsangnam-do will conduct a special inspection of water pollutant discharge sources in the upstream area of Namgang Dam from the 18th to the 29th.

The province anticipates that if weather conditions such as a dry monsoon continue, algal blooms in Namgang Dam will worsen. To take preemptive measures, including reducing the inflow of various pollutants, a joint inspection will be carried out with five cities and counties upstream of the dam.

Gyeongnam Province, Jinju City, Sacheon City, Hadong, Sancheong, and Hamyang counties will examine the upstream area of the dam for ▲the appropriateness of private sewage treatment facilities and wastewater/livestock manure discharge facilities ▲the maintenance and management status of non-point pollution reduction facilities ▲the presence of litter in river sections and proper storage of piled compost.

The province plans to take strict action according to relevant laws if any serious violations such as abnormal operation are detected.

According to the province, three water purification plants (two intake plants) supplying tap water from Namgang Dam measure algal toxins and taste and odor substances in raw water and tap water once a week.

When an algae warning is issued, the measurement frequency will be increased, and water purification will be strengthened by extending chlorine contact time and adding powdered activated carbon.

Lee Jaegi, Director of the Water Quality Management Division, said, “Despite the occurrence of algae in Namgang Dam and the Nakdong River, there have been no cases of algal toxins detected in tap water due to thorough water purification. We will continue to do our best in water purification so that residents can use tap water with confidence.”