Jeon Nam-do Councilor Lee Min-jun Points Out "School Water Quality Test Reliability Declining"

Lee Min-jun, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Lee Min-jun, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Council, pointed out and demanded improvements regarding the water quality inspection methods in schools within Jeonnam Province.

According to Assemblyman Lee Min-jun on the 9th, out of a total of 886 schools, 27 schools (3%) use non-groundwater as drinking water, and 859 schools (97%) use tap water. Among the schools using water purifiers, 781 schools (98%) are connected to tap water, accounting for 5,424 units (99%).

Schools connected to groundwater number 20 (2%) with 74 units (1%). Water quality inspections for drinking water in schools are conducted quarterly four times a year by selecting water quality inspection agencies designated by the Ministry of Environment for each Office of Education, and the results are disclosed on their websites.

During the administrative audit on the 6th at the Damyang Office of Education, covering the Offices of Education in Yeosu, Gwangyang, Damyang, Gokseong, Gurye, and Goheung, Assemblyman Lee Min-jun stated, “In some schools, water quality inspections are conducted by having the schools themselves collect samples and then submit them to the inspection agencies, rather than the agencies collecting samples directly.” He pointed out, “Bacteria can develop during the transportation process after sampling, and contamination levels can vary depending on who collected the samples and how, so this method reduces reliability.”

He continued, “If the institution conducting the water quality inspection is not a public organization, separate review is necessary,” and emphasized, “To prepare for any issues after inspection, the sampling process should be entrusted to a credible institution responsible for the entire procedure.”

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