Samsung Electronics is taking steps to reduce water usage in semiconductor production and to enhance water resource management by reusing treated wastewater for industrial purposes.
On September 11, Samsung Electronics announced its participation in the Korea International Water Week (KIWW) 2026, where it will showcase sustainable water resource management activities and related technologies in the semiconductor industry.
The semiconductor sector is known for its significant water consumption during manufacturing processes, making the secure supply of water and management of wastewater increasingly important as production facilities expand. In response, Samsung is implementing a '3R' strategy: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle water.
The company is working to decrease water usage through process improvements and equipment efficiency while also purifying used water for reuse. Additionally, it is developing a project to treat wastewater discharged from public treatment facilities to a high standard for use as industrial water in semiconductor production.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment and local governments, Samsung is preparing to reuse approximately 120,000 tons of treated wastewater daily from Hwaseong and Osan cities. Plans are also in place to reuse about 210,000 tons of treated wastewater daily from Suwon. Once these projects are fully operational, Samsung will be able to utilize around 330,000 tons of treated wastewater as industrial water each day.
The scope of water resource management is also expanding beyond the facilities to the surrounding ecosystems. Samsung is managing the quality of discharged water while also engaging in activities to preserve the aquatic ecosystems and natural environments near its facilities. There have been signs of ecological recovery, such as the reappearance of otters in the Osancheon stream near the semiconductor site.
Outside of its facilities, Samsung is promoting 'Water Positive' and 'Nature Positive' initiatives. In partnership with the Ministry of Climate and the Korea Water Resources Corporation, it is working to enhance the functions of the Sinpung Wetland upstream of the Jangheung Dam, contributing to the restoration of water resources, water quality improvement, and biodiversity conservation.
At the KIWW exhibition, Samsung will present technologies for water reduction and reuse, as well as public-private partnerships for wastewater reuse, water quality management, and ecosystem conservation activities. An event featuring augmented reality (AR) content inspired by the Osancheon ecosystem and otters will also be available for attendees.
A Samsung representative stated, "We plan to strengthen our sustainable water resource management system by enhancing water use efficiency and expanding reuse through technological innovation and public-private collaboration, while also considering the nearby nature and ecosystems."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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