Background

Why water? : In the past, people regarded water as a natural 'resource' for them to use freely. However, water has become an important 'asset' in present day requiring proactive management.
  • The Future of Humanity Lies in Water

    Today, in every corner of earth, people are constantly being confronted with waterrelated challenges such as the increasing frequency of severe water disasters due to climate change and the deepening of conflicts among different stakeholders as their water needs are changing.
    Due to global warming which is exacerbating water shortages and rapid urbanization, water resources are decreasing at a staggering rate.
    The imbalance of water resources has resulted in increased human affliction from famines and diseases as well as endless water-related conflicts.
    As the origin of civilization came from water, the future of people depends upon water.
    It is no exaggeration to say that how well we utilize water will determine the world of tomorrow.

Meteorological Disasters due to Global Warming
  • By the end of the 21st century, the global average temperature and sea level are expected to rise by up to 3.7℃ and 63cm, respectively.(IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, 2014)
  • The new post-2020 climate regime with participation of both developed and developing countries was launched (UN COP21, 2015)
  • Crises relating to water such as droughts and floods are assessed as the highest risk which human beings are facing. (World Economic Forum, 2016)
  • Drought frequency increased by 3.4 times over the past 30 years (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, 2010)
Decreasing Percentage of Population Using Tap Water for Drinking (in Korea)
  • Deepening distrust in tap water on the grounds of source water pollution, deteriorated facilities, lack of information and etc.
  • The percentage of population using tap water for drinking is only 5.4%
Increasing Energy Consumption in Water Management
  • 60 to 70% of the total water supply operating expenses is energy cost (WIA, 2009)
  • Energy consumption in producing and transporting water was predicted to rise from 33.2 billion kWh in 2010 to 45.7 billion kWh in 2050 (EPRI, 2002)
Deterioration of Water Management Facilities
  • Annual losses of USD 3.4 billion (U.S.) and USD 0.5 billion (ROK) occur as a result of deteriorating of facilities
  • Improvement of decrepit water supply facilities is expected to cost USD 334.8 billion over the next 20 years (EPA, 2009)
Increase in International Conflicts over Water
  • Accelerating competition to acquire access to shared water resources such as rivers and lakes
  • Intensifying conflicts over water resources allocation and water pricing by states and regions
Famine and Diseases will increase in Developing Countries
  • Fresh water scarcity due to climate change directly affects food production (UNDP, 2004)
  • Water management is critical in achieving MDGs, inter alia poverty reduction and health promotion (UNDP, 2004)
Population Growth and Megalopolitanization
  • By 2025, almost half the world will experience water scarcity due to population growth (UN WWDR, 2009)
  • Water withdrawals are predicted to increase by 50% in developing countries and 18% in developed countries by 2025