Recent Development of Drinking Water Quality Standard and its Application

음용수질 기준과 관리방안

Recently water demand is increasing as the industry prospers. The increase of water demand is followed by the increase of wastewater discharge which pollutes rivers and ground water extensively. These rivers, reservoirs and ground water are sources for drinking water and their contamination affects the quality of water supply and other potable water. In Korea there are 776 water treatment plants which supply drinking water from main rivers or reservoirs. Rivers are the biggest water source for drinking water is being contaminated, the innovation of treatment process is needed. The construction and operation of water supply facilities is under the control of the Ministry of Construction and the water supply offices of cities and provinces. However, drinking water quality is under the control of the bureau of sanitation in the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. There are 33 items in drinking water quality standards of Korea. Trihalomethanes, Selenium, Diazinone and other three of pesticides have been included lately, The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs is planning to enhance. the level of $VOC_S$(Vola-tile Organic Compounds) standard. Drinking water quality standard is the goal to protect the quality of supply water and ground water. In order to protect the source water from domestic or industrial water, technological improvement and adequate investment should be urgently made. The ultimate goal of drinking water quality is safety and health of consumers. The more stringent the standard are, the better the water quality will be. As the drinking water quality standards become more stringent this year, various and positive solutions by the authorities concerned must be prepared.