Pohang City Water Source Experiences Cyanobacteria Outbreak, Full Efforts for Tap Water Purification

Blocking Cyanobacteria, Installing Intake Tower Barriers, Selective Water Intake from Lower Layers

Removing Taste and Odor Substances ... Powdered Activated Carbon Added at Yugang Water Purification Plant

Pohang City is making every effort to ensure water quality at the Yugang Water Purification Plant, which uses water from Angye Dam as its raw source, by implementing algae blocking and odor removal measures after blue-green algae recently appeared in Angye Dam due to abnormal high temperatures.

The concentration of blue-green algae in Angye Dam was recorded at 1,848 cells/mL in the inspection during the third week of August. Blue-green algae produce substances that cause unpleasant odors, such as earthy or moldy smells.

If the concentration exceeds 1,000 cells/mL again in the inspection during the fourth week of August, the algae alert system will enter the "Attention" stage.

To prevent blue-green algae from entering the water purification plant, the city has requested the Korea Water Resources Corporation, which manages Angye Dam, to implement the following measures: installation of an algae blocking curtain at the intake tower, selective intake from the lower part of the intake tower, and aeration around the intake tower. Pohang City is also making every effort to respond to the blue-green algae by adding powdered activated carbon at the Yugang Water Purification Plant and conducting intermediate chlorination (mid-chlorination) treatment.

A Pohang City official stated, "We are doing our utmost to normalize the situation, including adding powdered activated carbon to ensure the supply of safe tap water, so the odor in tap water will gradually decrease." The official also asked, "Although the odor in tap water caused by these substances is harmless to the human body, if you find the smell uncomfortable, please take precautions such as boiling the tap water before drinking."

Pohang City Hall.