"Report a Leak and Get 30,000 Won"... Seoul Operates Water Main Leak Reporting Reward Program

First resident to report a leak to receive a gift certificate worth 30,000 won

Securing the "golden window" for rapid leak repairs is crucial

Last year, 41% of water main leaks were detected through residents' reports

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on October 13 that it is encouraging residents to make use of its reward program for reporting water main leaks, which gives the first person to report a leak a gift certificate worth 30,000 won.

The city introduced the program in June 2021 to detect leaks early and shorten repair times. According to the city, it has been effective: residents’ reports led to the detection of more than 40% of all leaks in both 2025 and 2024.

Water Main Leak Site, Seoul

Anyone who notices signs of a possible leak, such as water bubbling up through cracks in a road or sidewalk, or flowing from around a water main manhole, can report it by calling the 120 Dasan Call Center or the local waterworks office. If the leak is confirmed to have come from a water main and the report is recognized as the first one, the reporter will receive a Seoul Sarang Gift Certificate worth 30,000 won.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government operates a 24-hour response system so crews can promptly reach the site and repair water main leaks. Each of the city’s eight waterworks offices maintains a total of 24 teams and 107 staff on standby for dispatch, with two teams on duty during the day and one at night. The city also conducts 12 emergency drills a year based on simulated incidents and checks staff readiness to ensure its teams remain prepared to respond. In addition, it is strengthening preventive leak management through measures such as repairing aging water mains, proactively surveying leak-prone areas, and establishing a real-time flow monitoring system.

“The city is doing its utmost to prevent leaks and detect them quickly through measures such as repairing aging pipes and monitoring the water network,” said Kwon Min, head of the Seoul Arisu Headquarters. “Reports from residents can help us find leaks faster and minimize damage, so we will use this reward program to actively encourage public participation.”

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