The initial results from the filtration experiment at the Munsan Water Treatment Plant in Daegu show significant improvements in key water quality indicators, including a reduction in algal toxins and turbidity. The government plans to assess whether this filtration method can effectively address the region's persistent water quality issues after expert verification.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on August 4 that it will hold the first verification committee meeting on August 5 at the Munsan Water Treatment Plant in Daegu to evaluate the water quality improvement and quantity assurance effects of the filtration experiment.
Filtration water is naturally filtered through layers of sand and gravel at the riverbed, which can reduce pollutants and algae compared to direct river water intake, thereby alleviating the treatment burden on water treatment plants.
To simulate actual filtration conditions, the ministry constructed a large experimental tank measuring 6 meters wide, 3 meters deep, and 7.5 meters high at the Munsan Water Treatment Plant. Two tanks with different combinations of sand and gravel have been operating since June 16, filtering over 30 tons of Nakdong River water daily.
After about a month of operation, the total organic carbon (TOC) levels in the filtered water were measured at 2.3 to 2.7 ppm, which is 33% to 42% lower than that of Nakdong River water. Total phosphorus (T-P) decreased by 66% to 69%, and the algal toxin microcystin-LR was reduced by 82% to 86%. Turbidity also improved by 89% to 95%.
Based on these results, the ministry reports that the filtration facility has consistently achieved a water quality equivalent to grade 1 TOC standards at the Andong Dam. However, further verification is needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of water quality improvement and sufficient water intake capacity for practical application.
The verification committee includes six water experts from the Korean Society of Water Environment and the Korean Society of Water Supply and Wastewater, along with three representatives from Daegu City and one from the ministry. The committee will evaluate experimental results monthly and discuss potential changes to operational flow rates and filter media composition.
The ministry plans to publicly disclose water quality measurement results and committee discussions on its website starting August 6. Turbidity and pH levels will be measured daily, while TOC and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) will be assessed weekly, and algal toxins and trace pollutants will be monitored monthly.
Kim Ho-eun, the ministry's director of water policy, stated, "If the water filtered through this method is supplied to the treatment plant, it will enhance purification efficiency and provide cleaner tap water to the citizens of Daegu. We aim to establish a scientific and effective solution to Daegu's water issues."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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