Government Soon to Introduce Measures to Encourage Water Conservation

President Kim Dae-Jung, speaking on March 22 at a ceremony to commemorate 'Water Day,' stated that the government will take firm measures to encourage water conservation. The President was quoted as saying "From the year 2006, Korea is likely to suffer from water shortages estimated to be as much as 400 million tons a year."
In order to encourage water conservation, a new progressive taxation system for water charges will go into effect. Also, financial incentives will be given to public organizations that reduce their water use.
Also, water rates will be revised in order to become more equitable. The government will also complete the installation of a water supply system in farming and fishing areas by 2010. Currently only one out of four families in those areas have running water.

by Kim Jinkook