Seoul’s water treatment complexes are currently operating at an average capacity of 81%, exceeding 90% during peak summer. Most facilities have been in use for over 40 years, causing strain during high-demand periods.
To address this, the Seoul Arisu Headquarters is implementing short-term capacity enhancements and long-term upgrades at its oldest plants. Significant projects underway include:
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Gangbuk Water Purification Centre: A 276.1 billion won upgrade started in December 2024 will enhance daily water treatment capacity from 950,000 tons to 1.2 million tons by 2029.
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Gwangam Water Purification Centre: A 331.6 billion won project initiated in July 2026 will modernize equipment, increase treatment capacity by 100,000 tons, and add a pre-ozonation system rated for 400,000 tons daily, slated for completion in 2030.
Once both projects are completed, daily capacity will increase by 350,000 tons, reducing average plant usage to about 74%, aligning with international guidelines that recommend keeping utilization below 75% to ensure emergency reserves.
Additionally, upgrades will be phased for three more aging plants (Amsa, Guui, and Yeongdeungpo), with planning for Amsa wrapping up by year-end. Kwon Min, head of the Seoul Arisu Headquarters, emphasized the importance of maintaining operations without disruption during the modernization efforts.
