ANYANG, South Korea – Anyang City is making comprehensive efforts to supply clean and safe 'premium tap water' to its citizens. Beyond simply supplying water, the city is committed to prioritizing citizen health by meticulously managing every process from the water source to household taps. Of particular note is the city's large-scale infrastructure modernization projects and the introduction of advanced systems, which are setting new standards for future water quality management.
KRW 238.7 Billion Investment, Integrated Water Treatment Plant Modernization Lays Foundation for 'Future-Oriented Water Management'
Anyang City is investing a total of 238.7 billion KRW into the modernization project of the Bisan and Poil integrated water treatment plants to ensure a stable and clean water supply. The Bisan Water Treatment Plant, completed in 1981, was closed in December 2022 due to obsolescence and is scheduled to be reborn as an integrated water treatment plant with a capacity of 150,000 m3 by 2028. This is more than just a facility replacement; it's a strategy to maximize the efficiency and accuracy of water quality management by introducing advanced water treatment facilities and artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
Furthermore, the Cheonggye Integrated Water Treatment Plant, which currently processes 182,000 m3 of water per day, is undergoing a 41.6 billion KRW advanced water treatment facility installation project, expected to be completed by the end of this year. Once completed, this project will effectively remove odor-causing substances that were difficult to eliminate with existing water treatment processes. Advanced water treatment facilities utilize cutting-edge technologies such as ozone treatment and activated carbon adsorption to filter out trace harmful substances, disinfection byproducts, and unpleasant odor-causing substances that are challenging to remove with conventional water treatment methods. This will allow Anyang citizens to enjoy even better-tasting tap water.
A city official explained, "Through this large-scale investment, we expect to stably supply tap water not only to Anyang but also to neighboring cities like Gunpo and Uiwang." When both integrated water treatment plant modernization projects are completed, Anyang City will have a water purification production capacity of approximately 250,000 m3 per day, enabling it to proactively respond to surging water demand and contribute to linking with regional wide-area water supply systems. This signifies that the city is not just focusing on tap water supply but also on regional co-prosperity and the establishment of a sustainable water management system.
From Paldang Dam Source to Tap, 24-Hour Real-Time Monitoring System
Anyang City's tap water currently draws raw water from Paldang Dam, undergoes various disinfection and purification processes from the intake well, and is then supplied to each household via reservoirs. Anyang City has established and operates a thorough real-time monitoring and alert system and an emergency response system to prepare for potential water quality deterioration of the Paldang Dam source.
In particular, water quality is monitored 24 hours a day in real-time through automatic water quality measuring devices installed at two water treatment plants and eight reservoirs for each process. This system allows for immediate identification and response to water quality changes at every stage, from raw water inflow to final supply. Additionally, periodic water quality tests are conducted on raw water (38 items), purified water (60 items), and household taps (4-10 items) to meticulously confirm tap water quality. This multi-stage, precise water quality testing prevents potential contamination or foreign substance inflow in advance and provides a basis for citizens to use tap water with peace of mind.
Water quality test results are transparently disclosed monthly on the 'Anyang City Waterworks and Sewerage Office website' and the 'National Waterworks Information System.' This is Anyang City's effort to guarantee citizens' right to know and increase trust in tap water. Citizens can check water quality information for their area online at any time, which is expected to alleviate mistrust in tap water and encourage its active use.
Citizen-Tailored Water Quality Testing Service: Expansion of 'Our Home Tap Water Safety Confirmation System'
Anyang City operates the 'Our Home Tap Water Safety Confirmation System' to help citizens resolve questions about the quality of tap water used in their homes. When applying for this system, a city official visits the home directly, collects tap water, conducts a precise test, and provides detailed results. This greatly helps alleviate vague anxieties about tap water and builds citizen trust by directly confirming water quality in the actual usage environment. Applications can be easily made through the 'Mulsarang Nurijip website' or by contacting the Anyang City Water Purification Division (031-8045-2380).
Furthermore, Anyang City plans to conduct 'Visiting Free Tap Water Quality Tests' for 89 facilities this year, including national and public daycare centers, regional children's centers, and facilities for people with disabilities. This is a proactive measure to secure the safety of tap water in facilities used by vulnerable groups and protect the health of future generations. Daycare centers and children's centers are places primarily used by children with weaker immune systems, and facilities for people with disabilities also require particular attention to hygiene and health management. These tailored water quality tests for such facilities are a good example of Anyang City's 'citizen-centric' water management philosophy.
Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho stated his strong commitment, saying, "Citizen health begins with trustworthy tap water," and "We will stably supply the best quality tap water nationwide through thorough quality control, transparent information disclosure, and large-scale water treatment plant modernization projects." This is more than just an administrative goal; it clearly defines the responsibility for tap water as essential infrastructure directly related to citizens' quality of life.
Fruits of Continuous Effort: Achieving Multiple 'Excellent Institution' Awards
Anyang City's consistent and thorough water management efforts have also received high external evaluations. Anyang City secured the 'Excellent Grade' in the waterworks sector of the Ministry of Interior and Safety's 2023 Local Public Enterprise Management Evaluation, being recognized for excellence in both management efficiency and service quality. Furthermore, it achieved an unprecedented feat by being named the 'Excellent Institution' for five consecutive years (2020-2024) in the Ministry of Environment's Evaluation of General Waterworks Business Operation and Management Status. This demonstrates that Anyang City consistently maintains the highest level nationwide in waterworks operation and management.
In addition, it was selected as an 'Excellent Institution' for two consecutive years (2023-2024) in the Gyeonggi Province Waterworks Performance Evaluation, proving its leading role within Gyeonggi Province. Notably, earning an 'S grade' in the Ministry of Employment and Labor's Process Safety Management Compliance Evaluation for water treatment plants is a crucial indicator showing that the safety of water treatment plant operations is also managed at the highest level. These numerous awards are strong evidence that Anyang City is not just making promises for 'premium tap water supply' but is delivering actual results.
Anyang City's meticulous water management directly contributes to improving citizens' health and quality of life. The city's efforts to provide not just clean water, but delicious and safe-to-drink water, will continue. These efforts are expected to be an important foundation for Anyang City to become a sustainable city and a city where citizens are happy.
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