Nakdonggang Jinyangho and Seomjingang Okjeongho Issue Algae Bloom Warning at 'Interest' Level

Algal bloom in the Nakdong River around Daedong-myeon, Gimhae City, on the 19th of last month. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 5th at 3 PM, the Ministry of Environment announced the issuance of an algae bloom alert at the "Interest" level for Jinyangho on the Nakdong River and Okjeongho on the Seomjin River.

On the 2nd, harmful cyanobacteria cells were detected at 3,850 and 2,250 cells per milliliter at the Naedong and Panmun points of Jinyangho, respectively. Although the alert for Jinyangho was lifted on July 17, green algae reoccurred, leading to the issuance of the Interest level alert.

Okjeongho received its first Interest level alert this year. On the 19th of last month, harmful cyanobacteria cells were only 700 cells per milliliter, but by the 2nd, they surged to 6,600 cells per milliliter.

Currently, seven locations have algae bloom Interest level alerts, including Hoengseongho on the Han River, Yongdamho on the Geum River, Yeongcheonho and Sayunho on the Nakdong River, Jinyangho, and Haepyeong Okjeongho on the Seomjin River. Four locations are at the Caution level: Daecheongho on the Geum River, Gangjeong-Goryeong, Chilseo, and Mulgeummaeri on the Nakdong River.

The Ministry of Environment emphasized that no algal toxins have been detected at water purification plants near the alert sites, ensuring the safety of drinking water. They also explained that operations at water intake and purification plants are being enhanced through measures such as installing algae barriers, deep water intake, and strengthening water treatment.

Meanwhile, the Interest level algae bloom alerts for Paldangho on the Han River and Boreongho on the Geum River have been lifted.

Kim Jong-ryul, Director of Water Environment Policy at the Ministry of Environment, stated, “Although the White Heron season (September 7) is approaching, high daytime temperatures are still causing algae blooms. The government will remain vigilant and do its best to reduce algae blooms and ensure the safety of drinking water.”