The Busan Metropolitan Government has moved to secure stable tap water supply ahead of summer heavy rains and heat waves. The city plans to ensure "uninterrupted water supply" by reviewing the entire process from water quality management to emergency water distribution systems. The Busan Waterworks Headquarters announced Wednesday that it will implement a "Comprehensive Summer Natural Disaster Plan" through October 15.
The plan consists of two phases: advance preparation and disaster response. From early April through mid-May, the city will inspect water intake and purification plants as well as distribution and supply facilities, while intensively managing areas vulnerable to power outages and water shortages to eliminate risk factors in advance. From mid-May through mid-October, the city will strengthen water quality management, larval response measures, and water supply system operations to maintain stable supply even during emergencies.
Water quality management will also be significantly reinforced. The city will conduct frequent inspections of major upstream water sources including the Maeri and Mulgeum intake stations and the Hoedong Reservoir, while performing routine testing of 11 parameters including turbidity for both raw and treated water. When algal blooms occur, the city plans to expand advanced water treatment using activated carbon and ozone to block the spread of odor-causing substances and algal toxins.
The larval response system will also be continuously monitored. Regular inspections will be conducted at major purification plants including the Deoksan Water Purification Plant and distribution reservoirs. When abnormalities are detected, the city will immediately collect and analyze samples and work with related agencies to identify causes and take swift action.
The city is also focusing on strengthening on-site response capabilities. Large construction sites and vulnerable points will be inspected in advance, and emergency generators and backup equipment will be deployed during power outages to minimize water supply disruptions. Alternative supply systems including water trucks and bottled tap water will be maintained at all times.
A dedicated situation room for heat wave response will also be activated. Operating from July through September, the heat wave situation room will manage water quality, facility operations, and water supply conditions in real time while maintaining response systems. In the event of a disaster, the city will launch an integrated response in cooperation with central government, local government, fire services, and other related agencies.
"Providing tap water that citizens can drink with confidence during the summer is the most fundamental public service," Busan Mayor Park Heong-jun said. "We will ensure there are no disruptions in water supply through thorough advance inspections and systematic management."