Groundwater development, use, and its quality in Korea: tasks for sustainable use

Abstract

In this study, the current state of groundwater development and use and groundwater quality has been examined based on official groundwater data collected from the Republic of Korea. The groundwater data indicate a steady increase in the number of groundwater wells and an increase in groundwater pumping. The well diameters also increase with increasing well depth, owing to the development of drilling technology. Although groundwater is predominantly used for agricultural and living purposes, the former has recently outnumbered the latter. According to the groundwater quality monitoring stations covering the entire country, the groundwater levels, dissolved oxygen, and oxidation–reduction potential decrease with a steady increase in the water temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity, indicating an aggravating groundwater environment in this region. The most concerning contaminants found are nitrate, ammonia, arsenic, zinc, toluene, xylene, chloroform, and fluoride. Thus, based on these observations, we propose three essential tasks for sustainable groundwater use: a paradigm shift in groundwater management, conjunctive use and integrated management of groundwater and stream water, and groundwater governance and data quality control.

Stakeholder analysis for effective implementation of water management system: Case of groundwater charge in South Korea

“…Furthermore, among the 84 imposing governments, only 49 operate Special Account linked to the Charge and dedicated the tax fund to groundwater management [ 49 ]. All in all, the multi-polarized groundwater management structure seems to prevent effective groundwater management and, hence, a practical operation of Groundwater Charge and linked Special Account [ 50 , 51 ].…”

Water Quality Investigation and Pollution Estimation of Groundwater Related to Reservoir Water Along the Main Stream in Geum River Basin, Korea

“…As water shortages become more severe, stable water resources are increasingly necessary and groundwater is being recognized as a valuable alternative. However, degradation of groundwater quality has been reported in the Midwestern part of South Korea due to intensive agricultural and livestock activities, as well as urbanization (Chung et al 2009; Lee et al, 2021). Recently, groundwater consumption is on the rise but the recharge amount of precipitation is steadily decreasing.…”

Spatial investigation of water quality and estimation of groundwater pollution along the main stream in the Geum River Basin, Korea

“…As water shortages become more severe, stable water resources are increasingly necessary and groundwater is being recognized as a valuable alternative. However, degradation of groundwater quality has been reported in the Midwestern part of South Korea due to intensive agricultural and livestock activities, as well as urbanization (Chung et al, 2009 ; Lee et al, 2021 ). Recently, groundwater consumption is on the rise but the recharge amount of precipitation is steadily decreasing.…”