Proactive Road Water Spraying to Mitigate Urban Heat Island Effect During Heat Waves
Expanded Water Cleaning on Major Roads, Side Streets, Subway Station Areas, and Underpasses for a Pleasant Pedestrian Environment
Gwangjin District (District Mayor Kim Kyungho) is significantly strengthening road water cleaning operations to prepare for summer heat waves and to create a pleasant urban environment.
As summer heat waves have become routine, the urban area, surrounded by asphalt and concrete, is experiencing an intensified heat island effect, causing temperatures to rise higher than surrounding areas. In response, the district plans to lower the surface temperature through road water spraying operations, while also removing fine dust and pollutants to provide residents with a better living environment.
The water spraying operations will be concentrated on major arterial roads and side streets. If a heat wave advisory is issued, the frequency and coverage of the spraying will be flexibly adjusted as needed.
To this end, five water spraying vehicles and one multipurpose cargo truck will be deployed, and additional private water spraying vehicles will also be arranged.
The district is operating one snow removal vehicle, previously used for winter snow removal, as a water spraying vehicle during the summer. By utilizing the existing water tank without any additional equipment modifications, the district is increasing operational efficiency and reducing operating costs without needing extra budget allocation.
Additionally, the district has expanded water cleaning operations to cover areas with high foot traffic, such as the pedestrian and vehicle sections of Han River access points, areas around subway stations, underpasses, and residential neighborhoods where complaints have been received, focusing on regions with higher levels of pollution.
Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, stated, "By converting snowplows into water spraying vehicles in the summer, we are increasing equipment utilization and achieving the dual benefits of saving on budget. We will continue to maintain a rapid on-site response system to heat waves and cleaning requests, and do our utmost to create a clean and safe city."
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