Government to Simultaneously Open Seungchon and Juksan Weirs... Reducing Algal Blooms and Restoring Yeongsangang Water Flow

The government will simultaneously further open both Seungchon Weir and Juksan Weir on the Yeongsangang River in an effort to reduce algal blooms and restore the aquatic ecosystem. With all the weirs along the Yeongsangang water system being opened together, the river’s water flow is expected to become fully connected.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on the 26th that, in conjunction with the seasonal algae management program, it will further open the sluice gates of Seungchon Weir and Juksan Weir for 28 days, from July 27 to August 23.

Currently, Seungchon Weir is open on a limited basis due to activities such as water parsley cultivation, while Juksan Weir is partially open due to the operation of the Hwangpo sailboat in Naju. With this initiative, the two weirs located in the lower reaches of the Yeongsangang River will be simultaneously further opened to improve the overall flow of water throughout the watershed.

Yeongsan River Riverside Road

At present, Seungchon Weir is operated flexibly, maintaining the river’s water level (EL) between 6 and 5.5 meters. The plan is to first maintain it at about 5.5 meters, and if there are no issues with water intake facilities and groundwater use, then to open it further down to a maximum of 5 meters. The water level at Juksan Weir, currently about 1.5 meters, will be lowered to approximately 0.75 meters.

The Ministry will monitor changes in water quality and the aquatic ecosystem before and after the opening and will also examine the impact on groundwater usage. In addition, groundwater support measures such as developing alternative wells will be implemented to prevent any shortages in agricultural water supply.

Together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, a facility improvement project is underway to lower the water intake structures at 18 pumping stations upstream of the two weirs in the Yeongsangang water system, with completion planned by 2028. Ahead of this opening, the Ministry has continued to consult with the local community through channels such as the Yeongsangang River Restoration Public-Private Council and resident meetings.

Song Hoseok, Director of Water Resources Policy at the Ministry, said, "Through active communication and cooperation with the local community, we have been able to additionally open the two weirs throughout the Yeongsangang River basin. We will continue our efforts to improve water flow in order to enhance the water quality and aquatic ecosystem of the Yeongsangang River."

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