Han River Water Temperature Rises to 29 Degrees... Seoul Strengthens Water Quality Management Amid Algae Proliferation

City Implements Its Own Management Standards and Operates Alert System

Intensive Control over Entire Purification Process to Prevent Small Aquatic Organism Outbreaks

Relevant Departments Operate Step-by-Step Response to Changes in Water Quality

As the heat wave continues to sweep across Seoul, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is strengthening both water quality monitoring and purification processes for the Han River's raw water. This is because the rising water temperature of the Han River increases the possibility of the development of taste and odor substances.

The Seoul Water Institute is collecting raw water samples from the Han River to investigate water quality, including the occurrence of algae blooms. Provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on August 10, measurements showed that the average water temperature of the Han River's raw water, which was 24 degrees Celsius in July, had reached up to 29 degrees Celsius as of August 5. As the raw water temperature rises, algae proliferate more actively, and during this process, taste and odor substances causing earthy or musty smells are more likely to develop. Therefore, close attention to water quality management is required.

Taste and odor substances are not included in the algae alert system managed under relevant laws and regulations. In response, the city has established its own management standards and operates a "taste and odor substance alert system," monitoring concentrations at nine points along the main stream and at intake stations of the Han River. Depending on the level of occurrence, Seoul also strengthens the operation of advanced water purification facilities.

During the 'Attention' and 'Caution' stages, Seoul increases raw water sampling from once per week to once per day, and in the 'Alert' stage, up to twice per day. In addition, ozone treatment and activated carbon processes are reinforced, and chlorine dosing is flexibly adjusted to improve the removal efficiency of taste and odor substances.

Furthermore, to prepare for the occurrence of small aquatic organisms during the summer, the city is intensively managing all stages from water intake to tap water supply. During peak breeding periods, the frequency of monitoring is increased and treatment processes are strengthened to ensure a safe supply of tap water.

Meanwhile, with Typhoon Dolphin (No. 13) and Typhoon Chan-hom (No. 15) forecasted to bypass the Korean Peninsula, the ongoing North Pacific high-pressure system is expected to prolong the heat wave. The Seoul Arisu Headquarters, Seoul Water Institute, and purification centers—as relevant departments—will maintain a constant, step-by-step response system to swiftly cope with changes in raw water quality.

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