Gwonseon-gu Improves Stream Water Quality with Yellow Flowers and Iris Plants

On the 24th, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon, held a stream restoration and water purification project along with an iris planting event at Hwanggujicheon Stream, organized by the Suwon Saemaul Association.

The event was held to improve the water quality of Hwanggujicheon Stream, with approximately 200 members of Saemaul organizations (Saemaul Council, Saemaul Women's Association, and Saemaul Library) participating in a section extending about 1km behind Gwonseon-gu Office.

Iris is an indigenous Korean species that has traditionally been used by ancestors since ancient times to bathe in water during the Dano Festival for its fragrance, and it has excellent capability to remove phosphorus and nitrogen, which are eutrophication substances.

Iris is known to be 5 to 6 times more effective at improving water quality than water hyacinth, which has been widely distributed domestically.

Additionally, iris is a perennial plant that adheres to the lake bottom, making it easy to manage. It is expected to propagate more than tenfold annually and contribute significantly to water quality improvement.

Kim Jeong-su, head of Gwonseon-gu Office, encouraged the initiative, saying, "The iris planting event conducted by the Saemaul organizations, which have been taking the lead in volunteer activities, has served as an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection."