Haeundae and Songjeong Beaches Open in June, Both Water Quality and Sand Suitable

City Health and Environment Research Institute, Investigation of 2 Beaches

Water Quality and Sand Results Announced, Meeting Environmental Standards

The Busan Metropolitan City Health and Environment Research Institute (hereinafter referred to as the Institute) announced that the water quality and sand of Haeundae and Songjeong beaches, which open early in June for the summer vacation season, all met the environmental standards of the "Act on the Use and Management of Beaches."

In the water quality survey of the beaches, the detection levels of indicator bacteria for waterborne diseases, enterococci (water quality standard 100 MPN/100mL) and Escherichia coli (water quality standard 500 MPN/100mL), were checked. As a result, Haeundae Beach showed enterococci levels of 0?5 MPN/100mL and E. coli levels of 0?10 MPN/100mL, which is within 5% of the water quality standards, indicating very good quality. Songjeong Beach also met the water quality standards with enterococci levels of 0?16 MPN/100mL and E. coli levels of 0?63 MPN/100mL.

In the sand survey of the white sand beaches, the detection levels of five harmful heavy metals?cadmium, arsenic, lead, mercury, and hexavalent chromium?were checked. Both beaches showed very low concentrations compared to the environmental safety management standards for white sand beaches: cadmium ranged from 0.21 to 0.31 mg/kg, arsenic from 3.15 to 5.70 mg/kg, and lead from 5.5 to 8.0 mg/kg. Mercury and hexavalent chromium were not detected at either beach.

A representative from the Health and Environment Research Institute stated, “Water quality and sand surveys will also be conducted before the opening of the remaining five beaches in the Busan area (Dadaepo, Songdo, Gwangalli, Ilgwang, and Imrang) on July 1. To ensure safe water play for beach visitors, water quality inspections will be strengthened twice a month during the open season and once a week during peak season.”

“As the COVID-19 crisis level has been downgraded and daily life recovery is in full swing, a large number of vacationers are expected to visit the beaches. We will put more effort into managing beach water quality to ensure safe and pleasant use,” the representative added.

Water quality results for two items (Enterococcus, Escherichia coli).

The survey results are promptly provided to the relevant local district and county offices and can also be checked on the Busan City Health and Environment Information Disclosure System.