Sejong, May 27 - The Ministry of Environment (ME, Minister Han Wha-jin) will take preventive measures for algal blooms in summer to manage water quality. Temperatures during summer this year are expected to be hotter than last year, and similar precipitation. Therefore, algal blooms are expected to occur in June. The Ministry of Environment will take measures to prevent nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from flowing into the water system. In case when algal bloom occurs, the Ministry of Environment will get rid of the algal bloom and prevent its spread from securing the safety of drinking water. 

1. Limiting nutrients from flowing into the water 

The Ministry of Environment will minimize algal bloom occurrence by limiting algae's nutrients in the water system. First of all, the Ministry will reduce the total amount of phosphorus outflow through more robust management of public sewage and wastewater treatment. The Ministry will use various types of equipment, such as drones and environmental guards, to monitor pollutants along rivers. In partnership with local governments, the Ministry of Environment will restrict the discharge of pollutants through inspection of pollutant-emitting facilities before the flood season (Jun. 21-Sep. 20).

In addition, the Ministry will take additional measures targeting the Nakdonggang River and Daecheongho Lake, where algal blooms occur more frequently. For algal bloom around the Nakdonggang river, the Ministry will form a consultative group of residents and provide education on reducing nonpoint pollution sources. The Ministry also minimizes pollutants by removing compost stored in the open field and installing tarpaulins. As for the Daecheongho Lake region, the Ministry will operate an algal bloom control system and algae-reducing lines for biological control of algal blooms by reducing nutrients. 

2. Establishing an algal bloom monitoring system

The Ministry of Environment will operate an algal bloom monitoring system by bolstering the algae system it has in place at major spots (29 spots nationwide). The Ministry of Environment will expand its algal bloom monitoring to areas for water advocacy programs. It will also extend water sampling points to waterfront areas to measure the concentration of algae. It will also include alga toxins in the warning criteria. In addition, it will predict the amount of green algae formation at 11 spots, including the Hangang River and the Nakdonggang River, so that relevant institutions can use the data to respond to algal bloom anticipatively. 

3. Response to algal blooms

In case when algal blooms occur, the Ministry of Environment will respond rapidly to algal blooms to prevent their spread. It will take immediate action by organizing an "algal bloom watch team" consisting of the Ministry, local governments, and relevant institutions when the green algae " " is in effect.

The Ministry will operate different types of equipment, such as water circulation devices and surface aerators (waterwheels), to get rid of algal blooms. The Ministry will strengthen its surveillance for pollutants and algal bloom. In the case of algal blooms, barrages are operated flexibly, and water will be promptly released from dams as long as it does not obstruct water usage.

At the same time, the Ministry will install algae barriers near intakes to minimize algae inflow into water purification plants. The Ministry will more thoroughly treat drinking water to remove phycotoxins and other substances that cause foul tastes and odors, ensuring that people can drink clean and safe water.

4. Strengthening public communication during algal bloom occurrence

The Ministry of Environment will notify the public of the current status of algal blooms via the Water Environment Information System website (nier.go.kr) and communicate with people based on scientific and objective data.

Ryu Yeon-gi, Director-General of Water Environment Policy Bureau, said, "The Ministry of Environment promises the public to provide safe drinking water and maintain a healthy water ecosystem."

Contact: Lee Kyung-han, Deputy Director

Water Quality Management Division / +82-(0)44-201-7069 

Foreign Media Contact: CHUN Minjo

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr