"Why Does My Tap Water Look Like This?"...AI Explains Causes and Solutions

Jeonnam Gwangju Waterworks Headquarters launches 'Home Tap Water Complaint Resolver'
Service provides guidance on 12 common issues such as filter discoloration and disinfectant odors

An artificial intelligence (AI) information service that allows users to directly check the causes and solutions when the tap water smells of disinfectant or when the filter color changes has begun operation.

The Water Quality Research Center at the Waterworks Headquarters of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City announced on October 6 that it has developed its own 'Home Tap Water Complaint Resolver' and has been offering the service since September 23.

'Our Home Tap Water Complaint Resolver' operated by the Waterworks Business Headquarters of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City

The service categorizes 12 common tap water-related phenomena experienced by citizens—such as filter discoloration and foreign substances, disinfectant odors, muddy water, cyan water phenomena, white tap water phenomena, and billing inquiries—and provides tailored guidance for each type. When a user selects a particular phenomenon, they can check the main causes and appropriate solutions.

If further inquiry is needed after taking initial action at home, the service provides contact information and directs residents to the appropriate department based on the specific issue and their area of residence.

In the past, when issues like disinfectant smells or filter discoloration occurred, it was often difficult to identify the cause or the responsible department, leading residents to contact multiple offices. The Waterworks Headquarters expects this service to streamline the inquiry process for citizens and also help reduce repetitive phone guidance work for its staff.

The service was created by Water Quality Research Center staff members Sujin Moon and Migum Ryu, who utilized AI without a separate budget or outsourcing. It is designed to connect causes and solutions for each phenomenon with the relevant department, based on frequently asked citizen complaints data.

To use the service, anyone can visit the Waterworks Headquarters website of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, select 'Water Quality,' then 'Waterworks Reference,' and finally 'Complaint Resolver.' The service is open to all citizens at any time.

Nanhui Kim, Director of the Water Quality Research Center, stated, "This is an example of staff using AI in their work to resolve issues that repeatedly inconvenience citizens on site," adding, "We will continue to improve the service so that citizens can access information on tap water easily and conveniently."

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