Sejong, July 4 - The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) announced that it will establish the "4th Basic Plan for Underground Water Management (2022-2031)." The purpose of the plan is to promote the organized development and use of underground water, as well as ensure efficient water conservation and management. The plan will be officially announced on June 23.

The plan has undergone deliberation by the Presidential Water Commission (April 25, 2023), and is the highest priority in the field of underground water. It presents the vision and direction of underground water management in Korea for the next 10 years. Under the vision of "Healthy and Safe Underground Water for All," the initiative aims to achieve the integrated management of underground water quantity and quality, and includes six strategic areas and 18 detailed tasks.

Foremost, this agenda aims to establish a watershed-based integrated management system for underground water quantity and quality. Quantity and quality management criteria will be established for watershed-based underground water management, and will gradually transition and expand the investigation and measurement system on a watershed basis. 

Second, the utilization of underground water will be expanded to respond to climate crises. There will be more artificial recharge facilities to utilize underground water as an alternative water source in severe droughts and other crisis situations. The plan also promotes the utilization of discharge underground water and geothermal energy to enhance the role of underground water to achieve carbon neutrality.

Third, the plan aims to establish a comprehensive management system for underground water pollution. Improvement measures for underground water quality standards will be implemented, specifically for managing new pollutants. Additionally, preventive measures will be established for areas at risk of underground water contamination. Furthermore, guidelines will be developed for purification in case of contamination. 

Fourth, the infrastructure for underground water management will be improved. By enhancing the management system for underground water facilities and usage based on accurate measurements, increased reliability will be feasible. Underground water management policies will also become more effective through institutional improvement and activation of the Regional Underground Water Management Committees.

Fifth, underground water information will be managed using smart technology and be disclosed to the public. To achieve stronger management, cutting-edge technology will be used, including installing QR codes for underground water facilities and utilizing advanced information and communication technologies such as remote monitoring of usage. Furthermore, an information network (open platform) utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) will be established to improve convenience for the public.

Lastly, the Ministry will invigorate the underground water industry and expand technological development. It will explore and nurture new industries in the field of underground water. These initiatives will provide directions for future underground water development by fostering global cooperation.

Contact: Choi Yong-joon, Deputy Director

Soil and Groundwater Division / +82-(0)44-201-7186