Abstract
Built-out issue of copper processing appearing recently in the Paldang watershed is a critical problem to deteriorate the basic framework of national water management policy as well as to be simply a copper-related problem. Up to now, Korea government has invested hard and relevant upstream areas have been victimized readily in a variety of field to comply its goal of 'Safe Water Supply'. Because of the reason, the desirable water quality level of the Paldang watershed has been maintained regardless of its dense population. Paldang drinking water management policy is based on residents' understanding which is considered as a 'social capital'. The issue raised in the aspect of water quality management policy should be reviewed on the basis of the 'social capital' concept. One regarding semiconductor industry as a potential industry to export many products in 10 years insists that the industry not be a simple private business but be a prominent part for national competitiveness. There is no doubt about this opinion. However, a nation should support environmental right-to-life of its people prior to any other tasks. In other words, it is really risky to give up people's right due to economic benefits. Therefore, it should not happen to trade 'life', the dignity of man, with national competitiveness which is likely to be preferred in these days. In addition, coherent policy not to destroy 'social capital' promoting Paldang drinking water resource management policy should be maintained.