On the morning of June 17, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment held a meeting of the Central Response Team for Seasonal Algal Management at the Gangjeong-Goryeong Dam in Daegu, chaired by First Vice Minister Kim Han-seung. This meeting was convened to assess the response status of relevant agencies following the issuance of the first algal alert of the summer at the 'caution' level.
Due to an early spring heat wave, algal alerts have been issued earlier than usual this year. The average national temperature in May reached 18.6°C, the highest recorded since observations began. Notably, 22 locations, including Daegu, Andong, Miryang, and Hapcheon, broke daily maximum temperature records in mid-May. Among these, the Gangjeong-Goryeong area elevated its algal alert from 'interest' to 'caution' on June 15, following the initial alert on May 18.
In the past decade, algal alerts in the Nakdong River have typically been concentrated in July and August. However, due to climate change, the timing of these alerts is shifting earlier. This year, the 'caution' level was declared in mid-June, about a month earlier than usual, indicating a rapid spread of algal blooms.
For instance, the cell count of blue-green algae at the Gangjeong-Goryeong site increased from 11,231 cells/mL last week to 17,014 cells/mL this week. Other locations along the Nakdong River, such as Haepyeong, Chilsseo, and Mulgeum-Maeri, are also experiencing rising blue-green algae cell counts, prompting the issuance of an 'interest' level algal alert there as well.
In response, the Central Response Team for Seasonal Algal Management is reviewing the actions taken by relevant agencies and discussing future measures. The Daegu Regional Environmental Agency is working with local governments to manage and advise nearby residents to refrain from recreational activities in affected areas due to the 'caution' level alert.
The National Institute of Environmental Research is analyzing both the cell counts of blue-green algae in the raw water and the concentration of algal toxins. The city of Daegu and the Korea Water Resources Corporation are enhancing water purification processes, including advanced treatment, to prevent any safety issues related to drinking water.
Kim Han-seung, Vice Minister of Climate, stated, "We will minimize public inconvenience and environmental impacts caused by algal blooms. As the issuance of algal alerts has come earlier, we will respond more swiftly to ensure the safety of drinking water for residents along the Nakdong River."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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