[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Amid growing public concerns about tap water following recent incidents of red tap water in Incheon and other areas, Suwon City announced on the 19th that it will strengthen management to supply clean and safe tap water.
According to an announcement by the Ministry of Environment, the red water crisis in Incheon that occurred in June was caused by water pressure changes and altered water flow during the conversion of the water supply system (water source switching), which disturbed sediment deposits inside water pipes.
The most effective way to prevent red water incidents is to replace corroded aging water pipes.
The Suwon Water Works District has invested a total of 54.2 billion won from 2011 to this year to replace 114.3 kilometers of aging water pipes. In 2020, the water works plans to maintain and flush 11.6 kilometers of pipes. The city's total transmission and distribution pipe network currently extends to 1,750 kilometers.
Additionally, in preparation for red water incidents that may occur during aging pipe replacement projects or water supply system changes, control valves are slowly opened according to protocol.
Immediately after completing pipe replacement work, prior to water flow, drainage is conducted for a sufficient period using drainage valves and fire hydrants to prevent red water incidents. Water quality tests are also mandatory before supplying tap water, ensuring procedures are strictly followed.
During water supply network block projects or aging pipe replacement projects, the water supply network is analyzed to set the service interruption range to minimize inconvenience to residents.
The Suwon Water Works District commissioned a network technical diagnosis survey in May to investigate aging pipes. Aging pipes will be replaced sequentially according to the survey results.
Additionally, the city is promoting ▲a green water-free home water pipe improvement support program (for residential buildings over 20 years after completion with a total floor area of 130㎡ or less) ▲a distribution zone block system construction project ▲an advanced water supply system construction project ▲pipe flushing projects ▲a smart network management construction project, among others.
The city's tap water is supplied through two stages of the regional water system, receiving raw water from Paldang Lake and supplying it through Gwanggyo and Pajang water purification plants, as well as three to five stages of the regional system, where water is purified by the Korea Water Resources Corporation (at Seongnam and Suji water purification plants) and supplied. Approximately 350,000 tons of tap water is supplied to Suwon residents daily.
An official from Suwon Water Works District stated, "We will continue to benchmark advanced water management regions and further strengthen tap water quality inspections to supply tap water that residents can drink with confidence."
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