Busan Opens Korea's First AI-Powered Water Treatment Plant Era

Busan is launching a full-scale transition to artificial intelligence-based smart water supply systems. The city aims to simultaneously improve operational efficiency and water quality safety through Korea's first AI conversion project in the water supply sector, involving the central government, public institutions, and local governments.

The Busan Metropolitan City Waterworks Headquarters signed a technical agreement on January 15 with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) to lead smart innovation in local water supply through AI transformation. The agreement aims to establish an inter-agency technical cooperation system for applying and advancing AI-based water supply operation technologies.

Under the agreement, the headquarters will apply AI technologies across the water supply sector, centered on the AI water treatment plant construction and intelligent pipe network management integrated platform currently being pursued by the city. Joint research, technical support, and information exchange for water treatment process advancement and operational efficiency will also be promoted. This marks the first case nationwide where central government, public institutions, and local water supply agencies collaborate based on AI technology, and is expected to serve as a starting point for smart innovation in the water supply sector.

The Myeongjang AI Water Treatment Plant, to be established based on this agreement, will feature advanced technologies including real-time automatic process control, big data-based water quality management, AI-powered predictive equipment maintenance, intelligent energy management, and intelligent video surveillance. These are expected to enhance process and water quality stability, minimize human error, prevent safety accidents through video surveillance, and improve energy efficiency.

The headquarters estimates that applying AI technology to Myeongjang Water Treatment Plant alone would yield annual electricity cost savings of approximately 500 million won ($370,000). If expanded to water treatment plants across the city in connection with aging plant modernization projects, total annual operating cost savings are projected to exceed 3 billion won ($2.2 million).

Government-level support is also expected to gain momentum. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is actively promoting the introduction of AI-based smart technologies in the local water supply sector in line with the national AI transformation strategy, with plans to develop Busan as a leading model. Based on the Myeongjang No. 1 Water Treatment Plant renovation and AI autonomous operation case, the ministry will push for expansion to other local governments and public institutions, positioning the city favorably in securing national funding.

Additionally, the headquarters plans to participate in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's energy demand management core technology R&D project, applying AI and digital twin-based water management facility resource utilization technology to Myeongjang Water Treatment Plant. A total of 17.3 billion won ($12.8 million), including 13 billion won in government subsidies and 4.3 billion won in private contributions, will be invested in this project, with nine institutions including the city participating to develop energy optimization systems for water management facilities.

"This agreement is an important turning point in providing citizens with safer and cleaner tap water while responding to the government's AI advanced industry development policy," said Kim Byung-ki, head of the headquarters. "Through close cooperation with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and Korea Water Resources Corporation, we will build the nation's top-level smart AI water treatment plant and stable pipe network management system."