Incheon Establishes Yeongjong Ongjin Waterworks Office, Unifying Island Water Administration

The Incheon City Government announced that the Yeongjong Ongjin Waterworks Office, which oversees the island regions, has been newly established in Yeongjongdo, Jung-gu, and will officially begin operations on January 9.

The office is responsible for Yeongjongdo and Ongjin County (excluding Yeongheung-myeon), and is composed of four teams: the Management Team, Water Supply Team, Facilities Team, and Village Waterworks Team, with a total staff of 38.

Previously, the management of local water supply, village waterworks, seawater desalination, and booster station facilities was dispersed across multiple agencies. These operations have now been consolidated under the new office, establishing a unified water management system for the island regions. In addition, improved on-site accessibility is expected to enable faster responses to emergencies such as water leaks.

Establishment of Yeongjong Ongjin Waterworks Office. Provided by Incheon City

The city has increased administrative efficiency by integrating the Yeongjong and Ongjin regions, which were previously managed separately by the Central and Southeastern Waterworks Offices. However, Yeongheung-myeon in Ongjin County, which is easily accessible via the road network, will continue to be managed by the Southeastern Waterworks Office to prioritize residents' convenience.

There has been a consistent demand for a dedicated waterworks administration agency tailored to the unique geographical conditions of the islands, especially as the number of tourists has increased following the introduction of the "i Bada Pass," which reduced the one-way fare for the Incheon coastal passenger ferry to 1,500 won, and as large-scale residential complexes have driven a sharp rise in water supply demand in the Yeongjong and Ongjin regions.

Jang Byunghyun, Director of Incheon Waterworks Headquarters, stated, "The opening of the Yeongjong Ongjin Waterworks Office marks the launch of a control tower that unifies and enhances the expertise of waterworks administration for the island regions. We will do our utmost to provide high-quality water services that meet the expectations of residents in Yeongjong and Ongjin."