Policy Directions for Urban Water Management in Response to Changing Conditions

Park Taesun, Research Fellow 

Summary

1. Urban water management is a crucial policy issue since more than 90 percent of the Korean population lives in cities, which comprise 45 percent of national territory. The population concentration in cities is expected to rise further. 

2. Due to changes in climate, population, industry, social awareness and values, and characteristics of cities, water management faces a host of changes in the environmental, ecological, social, cultural, local, and urban aspects from factors such as water disasters, the environment, demand, localization, and urbanization. 

3. A new policy toward water management is needed to respond to changing conditions such as the distortion of the natural circulation system of clear and plentiful water, shifts in the supply and demand of water and its uses, changes in urban characteristics, and higher participation by residents. 

4. Urban water management must create new and various values for water in which human health is harmonized with the natural environment. To do so, a foundation for adapting to changes in the natural environment is crucial, meaning responding to changing demands of the times considering regional characteristics and changing conditions as well as regularly managing water.  

Policy proposals

① (Adapting to changes in natural environment) Introducing a new concept of disaster response, estimating and responding to water disasters, establishing and utilizing ecological bases and networks in rivers and streams, and devising preservation and management plans for water environment

② (Responding to changing demands of the times) Estimating changes in water supply and demand such as enhancing the accuracy of water demand forecasting in each region and by purpose, and setting responses to changes in water use and behavior such as developing and distributing waterfront cultural content and programs 

③ (Considering regional characteristics and changing conditions) Encouraging the participation of area residents and giving them a cooperative role including helping form and utilize an urban water management governance and devising water management plans that consider urban characteristics such as analyzing and restoring the water circulation system in each stream and city

④ (Building and utilizing foundation for regular water management) Devising policy plans for facilities and equipment, personnel and organizations, resources and budget, technology and information, laws and regulations, and participation and cooperation.