Muju County Offers Free Safe Tap Water Verification Program Year-Round

Six Test Items Including pH, Turbidity, and Residual Chlorine

Muju County in North Jeolla Province is operating the 'Safe Tap Water Verification Program' free of charge throughout the year.

According to the county on July 25, the Safe Tap Water Verification Program was launched to alleviate vague concerns about tap water and to secure safe drinking water.

In addition, if residents apply by phone or through the 'Mul Sarang Nuri' website (limited to twice a month), a designated public official will visit the household in person to conduct a free water quality test. The results are then provided by mail or online within 15 days.

Exterior view of Muju County Office. Provided by Muju County

The test covers six items: pH, turbidity, residual chlorine, copper, iron, and zinc. Starting this year, three additional items?manganese, color, and hardness?can be optionally tested during the initial inspection. The county is focusing on providing safe and reliable tap water by improving its testing services.

If the test results do not meet the drinking water quality standards, a more detailed examination is conducted on seven additional items, including general bacteria, total coliforms, chloride ions, and ammonia nitrogen.

Hayangsoo, head of the Water Supply Operations Team in the Waterworks and Sewerage Division, stated, "Each test item is significant for diagnosing the safety of tap water. Residual chlorine is used to determine whether the water has been disinfected and to assess its safety against bacteria, while the levels of iron, copper, and zinc are used to evaluate the aging of water pipes."

He added, "Manganese is a major cause of rapid discoloration of household filters. Last year, we conducted water quality tests at 11 locations and all were found to be suitable. This year, we plan to expand publicity to encourage more residents to participate, making this an opportunity to confirm the safety of Muju's water quality."

In addition to the Safe Tap Water Verification Program, the county conducts daily, weekly, and monthly water quality tests on legally designated items, and discloses the results monthly on the county office website to ensure transparency.