The Nakdong River, serving as a primary drinking water source for approximately 13 million residents in the Yeongnam region, has faced ongoing concerns related to algal blooms and industrial wastewater. In response, the South Korean government has developed a comprehensive strategy aiming to elevate the river’s water quality to Grade I by 2030. This plan encompasses all stages from pollution source management to improvements in treatment systems. The initiative was finalized and announced during an economic ministers’ meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol on June 25, 2025.
The policy directly impacts local residents, agricultural communities, and industries along the Nakdong River basin. Enhanced standards for public sewage treatment facilities, stricter phosphorus discharge limits, and expanded monitoring of micro-pollutants are central to the plan. Rural areas will benefit from new and upgraded sewage collection and treatment infrastructure, while urban zones will see the adoption of low-impact development techniques to reduce stormwater runoff. Livestock waste management will shift towards energy conversion, including solid fuel and biogas production, to simultaneously reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementation will occur through coordinated efforts among the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rural Development Administration, and local governments. Key milestones include a 30% reduction in phosphorus emissions by 2030, completion of buffer storage facilities in 32 industrial zones, and the establishment of a Water Pollution Incident Integrated Response Center in Daegu by 2028. Annual evaluations will track progress and inform necessary regulatory adjustments, with expanded real-time monitoring networks and stricter discharge standards for livestock wastewater treatment facilities.
Frequently asked questions include: What are the expected outcomes of the plan? The government anticipates that major intake points along the Nakdong River will achieve Grade I water quality, with phosphorus levels below 0.04mg/L and total organic carbon below 4mg/L. How will industrial wastewater be managed? Advanced ozone and activated carbon treatment methods will be applied to facilities processing over 10,000 tons of wastewater daily, and monitoring sites for trace pollutants will increase from 38 to 70. What support is available for rural and agricultural stakeholders? Expanded infrastructure, technical guidance, and financial assistance will be provided to ensure compliance and effective pollution reduction.
Metaqsol opinion: The Nakdong River water quality improvement plan is a robust, multi-faceted approach that addresses both immediate and structural pollution challenges. By setting clear targets for phosphorus reduction and upgrading treatment technologies, the government is taking decisive action to protect a vital water source for millions. The emphasis on inter-agency collaboration and annual evaluations ensures ongoing accountability. If the measures are implemented as planned, the policy will significantly improve water safety and environmental sustainability in the region.