Water quality forecasting system

Abstract

The Ministry of Environment and the National Institute of Environmental Research has been running the Water Quality Forecasting System at 16 weirs of the four major rivers since 2012, after conducting test-operation over the Sejong Weir segment since August 1, 2011. The Water Quality Forecasting System is a method of forecasting changes to water quality and reporting the result using numerical modeling based on pollution source, water quality assessment data, hydro-meteorological data, and weather forecasting data. Currently, it provides water quality forecast services on water temperature and Chlorophyll-a ("Chl-a") of 16 weirs of the four major rivers for the next week. From 2009 to 2012, the Korean government conducted the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project to prevent floods and droughts in the four major rivers - Han river, Nakdong river, Geum river, and Yeongsan river and to restore the water quality and ecosystem. As part of the project, 16 weirs were constructed along the four rivers to secure 8 tons of water, to maintain the water levels of the upper regions and to prepare against extreme droughts. The Water Quality Forecasting System was introduced to detect the changes of the river water quality, and to enable proactive management. The results of water quality forecasting are quickly disseminated to relevant organizations, including agencies that operate dams and weirs, water intake facilities and DWTPs (Drinking Water Treatment Plants), and sewage and wastewater treatment plants. Relevant bodies in turn can adjust their water management processes under theoptimum conditions. In addition, the water quality forecasting system can predict changes to water quality according to different water management scenarios, and water quality managing bodies can use the outcome of the scenarios to derive an optimal alternative for each circumstance. This paper will look at the components and operating structure of the Water Quality Forecasting System, outcomes, and future strategies.