The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment of South Korea is advancing a nationwide policy to upgrade water intake and pumping stations. This initiative aims to ensure reliable water supply even during extreme droughts and algae outbreaks caused by climate change. The policy is part of a national agenda and is being closely monitored for rapid execution. On February 6, a high-level meeting was held at the Han River Flood Control Center in Seoul, led by Vice Minister Geum Han-seung, to review progress and discuss acceleration strategies.
The upgrade project targets 70 intake and pumping stations across the country, focusing on lowering intake levels and replacing outdated pumps to improve facility performance. Agencies involved include regional environment offices for the Han, Nakdong, Geum, and Yeongsan rivers, Daegu Regional Environment Office, Korea Water Resources Corporation, and local governments. The Nakdong River basin, which faces significant algae risks, is a priority for improvements. As of now, 4 facilities have completed upgrades, while 66 are undergoing enhancements.
To expedite the process, the Ministry has restructured funding to be directly disbursed from headquarters, reducing administrative delays. Local government-owned facilities are being managed by specialized agencies like Korea Water Resources Corporation through entrusted contracts, enhancing technical expertise and project management. Regular inspection teams led by regional environment chiefs are established to monitor progress and encourage local governments. A working group comprising the Ministry, Ministry of Agriculture, Korea Water Resources Corporation, and Korea Rural Community Corporation coordinates efforts and addresses bottlenecks.
Frequently asked questions include: Why is this upgrade necessary? It is essential to maintain stable water supply during climate-induced disasters such as droughts and algae blooms. How is the project funded and managed? The Ministry now directly allocates funds and entrusts facility management to expert agencies, ensuring efficiency. What is the current status? Out of 70 targeted facilities, 4 have been upgraded and 66 are in progress, with 470 billion KRW budgeted for 2026. The Ministry will continue regular inspections and coordination to ensure timely completion.
The Ministry’s decision to streamline funding and entrust facility management to specialized agencies is grounded in the need for rapid and efficient upgrades. By prioritizing high-risk regions such as the Nakdong River basin and establishing regular inspection teams, the policy addresses both technical and administrative challenges. The allocation of 470 billion KRW and the involvement of multiple agencies demonstrate a comprehensive approach. This initiative is a timely and strategic response to climate-induced water supply risks, likely to improve resilience and public confidence.