Jongno-gu, First Nationwide to Use Chlorine Dioxide Water for Sewage Odor Removal

Frequent Complaints of Odors from Sewage Facilities like Sewer Manholes and Storm Drains... Chlorine Dioxide Water Certified as a Disinfectant by MFDS and Ministry of Environment... Excellent Sterilization, Disinfection, and Deodorization Effects Used in Food, Fisheries, and Various Fields

Jongno-gu is the first district in the country to use chlorine dioxide water to clean sewer pipes.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu (District Mayor Kim Young-jong) will be the first local government in the nation to carry out sewer and rainwater drain cleaning using chlorine dioxide water (ClO₂).

The district has been continuously conducting dredging work on sewers and rainwater drains to prevent flooding and odors and to create a safe and convenient urban environment. However, residents have been inconvenienced by odors, with more than 90 odor-related complaints received annually from sewer facilities such as manholes.

To prevent odors, the district frequently cleans sewer pipes with high-pressure washing equipment, but since this method only uses water, its effect is temporary and limited in odor removal.

Additionally, odor-blocking devices installed at complaint sites do not eliminate the odors originating from the sewer pipes themselves, failing to address the root cause.

Accordingly, the district will switch to using chlorine dioxide water when cleaning sewer pipes. Chlorine dioxide water is a proven substance recognized as a sterilizing disinfectant by the WHO, U.S. FDA, Ministry of Environment, and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. It has strong sterilization effects and high safety, and is used in various fields such as food, fisheries, and water treatment (both drinking water and sewage treatment plants).

Chlorine dioxide water has been proven to be about five times stronger than bleach in sterilizing hydrogen sulfide (a major component of sewer odors), food poisoning bacteria, bacteria, and viruses. Unlike bleach, it does not produce harmful gases such as carcinogens and chloramines, making it safe.

The district will conduct pilot cleaning operations using chlorine dioxide water in areas with high foot traffic such as around Gwanghwamun, traditional markets, and parks, continuously monitoring odor removal effectiveness.

Furthermore, the district plans to compare results according to chlorine dioxide water concentration to determine the most efficient dilution ratio and actively implement it.

By changing the sewer cleaning method, it is expected to reduce the chronic odor problem of sewer pipes, alleviate residents' inconvenience, and increase resident satisfaction.

District Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “We are the first local government nationwide to use chlorine dioxide water for sewer cleaning. As a people-centered premium city, Jongno will do its best to protect residents' safety and improve their quality of life.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.