South Korea’s tap water supply coverage has reached an impressive 99.5%. (Image courtesy of Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s tap water supply coverage has reached an impressive 99.5%, according to the 2023 National Waterworks Statistics released by the Ministry of Environment on Wednesday. The report highlights improved water supply infrastructure, reduced leakage rates, and a modest increase in water rates.
Key Findings from the Report
The report revealed that South Korea supplied 6.795 billion cubic meters of tap water nationwide in 2023, with a “water flow rate” of 86.3%, reflecting the proportion of billed water compared to total supplied water. The leakage rate fell to 9.9%, continuing a five-year downward trend attributed to improvements in aging water pipelines.
The completion of renovation projects across 16 municipalities has reduced leakage rates by 10.8% since 2016, saving approximately 29 million cubic meters of water annually—equivalent to cost savings of 65.4 billion won ($45 million) and a reduction of 7,150 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Declining Water Usage and Increased Costs
The average daily water usage per person in 2023 was 303.9 liters, down 0.6% from the previous year. Meanwhile, the average price of tap water rose slightly to 0.796 won per liter, reflecting a 0.048 won increase from 2023.
Tap water rates were lower in metropolitan cities, averaging 0.745 won per liter, compared to higher rates of 0.833 won per liter in provincial regions.
Continued Expansion in Rural Areas
While nationwide tap water coverage has reached near-universal levels, rural areas have also seen significant improvements. Coverage in rural regions increased from 91.5% in 2014 to 96.4% in 2023, driven by ongoing infrastructure investments.
Government Commitment to Reliable Water Supply
Lee Seung-hwan, Director of Water Use Policy at the Ministry of Environment, emphasized the importance of accurate waterworks data in shaping policy. “We will continue to ensure the delivery of safe and clean tap water to the public, supported by reliable statistics and robust policy initiatives,” he said.
This comprehensive data underscores South Korea’s commitment to enhancing water supply systems, addressing environmental concerns, and maintaining affordability in water access for all citizens.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
