Suwon City's Foul-Smelling 'Seoho Stream' Transforms into an Ecological Waterway

[Suwon Ilbo=Correspondent Seo Dong-young] Suwon City announced on the 13th that the aquatic ecosystem environment of Seoho Stream, including water quality, has been significantly improved following the 'Seoho Stream Ecological Waterway Restoration Project' that the city implemented from 2006 to 2015.

The city conducted four inspections from January to December last year on aquatic ecosystem health, biodiversity, and water quality in the Seoho Stream area (8.3km section from the Pajang Water Purification Plant in Jangan-gu to the Nongdae Bridge in Seodun-dong, Gwonseon-gu).

Aquatic plants increased dramatically from 31 species in 2006 to 185 species, fish from 4 species to 13 species, and birds from 19 species to 31 species.

Water quality also improved. The BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) reading of Seoho Stream decreased from an average of 10.72mg/L (very poor, Grade V) in 2006 to an average of 2.47mg/L (slightly good, Grade II) in 2019. BOD is a water quality indicator for rivers, and lower readings indicate better water quality.

The city demolished concrete embankments and installed ecological mats. It also installed riffles, fish passes, weirs, and stepping stones to create habitats for organisms. To improve water quality, initial stormwater treatment facilities and water purification systems were installed.

In particular, from the planning stage of the ecological waterway restoration project, the city collaborated with the Suwon Stream Watershed Network Foundation and actively reflected public opinion. After project completion, the city has continued maintenance, management, and cleaning activities.

Recognizing these achievements, the project received the Grand Prize at the 2018 'Ecological Waterway Restoration Project Excellent Cases Contest' hosted by the Ministry of Environment.

A city official stated, "The aquatic ecosystem environment of Seoho Stream has been significantly improved through the ecological waterway restoration project," and added, "We will consistently manage the Seoho Stream area to make it a place where citizens can visit and rest at any time."