Water resource policies and management in Korea

Although the annual precipitation in Korea is 30% higher than the world average, increased population, urbanization and industrialization, as well as improved living standard have caused problems such as water shortage, flood damage, and water pollution. Additional multi-purpose dams and infra-structures are supposed to be constructed by 2011. On the other hand, water demand control is also suggested. This includes water saving by increasing water price, reuse of treated water, development of new water resources and rainfall management. Beside the Comprehensive Measures on the Provision of Clean Water, Comprehensive Water Quality Management Measures for the Four Major Rivers and Act on Watershed Management and Community Support are the main policies to be implemented for improving the quality of major rivers. Recently, Total Water Pollution Load management is voluntarily pursued for sustainable management of water resources.