First Issuance of 'Attention' Level for Algal Bloom Warning at Nakdonggang Chilseo Point

Nakdonggang Basin Cheong, First Announcement One Week Later Than Last Year

Cooperating with Related Agencies to Ensure Safe Water Supply

The Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office issued an algae bloom alert at the Chilseo point of the Nakdong River at 3 p.m. on the 8th.

Despite favorable conditions for algae bloom such as early heat and rising water temperatures, the alert was issued a week later than last year's first alert date of June 2 (Mulgummaeri).

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, temperatures from June to August are expected to be similar to or higher than average, and precipitation is expected to be similar to or greater than average, indicating a humid and hot summer, raising concerns about algae bloom occurrence.

The Nakdong River Office communicated the algae bloom alert at the ‘Interest’ level to related agencies and requested strengthened management of water treatment plants, including operation of algae inflow prevention facilities, shortening the activated carbon replacement cycle, and enhanced tap water analysis to ensure safe tap water supply.

The algae bloom alert for the water source section has three levels: ‘Interest,’ ‘Caution,’ and ‘Algae Bloom Outbreak.’ The ‘Interest’ level is the lowest among the algae bloom alerts and is a stage to monitor and manage water quality with attention before algae bloom fully occurs.

Along with increased patrols and algae monitoring around the Nakdong River, plans are in place to intensify the collection of piled compost and strengthen guidance and inspections of water pollution sources such as sewage and wastewater treatment plants to prepare for full-scale algae bloom occurrence.

Director Hong Dong-gon stated, “Although we cannot avoid algae bloom issues this year as well, we will take all necessary measures including coordinated operation of dams, weirs, and sluice gates, and work with local governments and related agencies to ensure there are no problems in supplying safe tap water.”

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