Design of Non-Structural Practices for Sustainable Water Quality Improvement in an Urban River: A Case Study of South Korea

Taesung Kang, Nayeong Yu, Minhwan Shin, Kyoungsoo Na, Kyoung Jae Lim and Jonggun Kim ()
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Taesung Kang: EM Research Institute, Chuncheon-si 24408, Republic of Korea
Nayeong Yu: EM Research Institute, Chuncheon-si 24408, Republic of Korea
Minhwan Shin: EM Research Institute, Chuncheon-si 24408, Republic of Korea
Kyoungsoo Na: Department of Business Administration, Halla University, Wonju-si 26404, Republic of Korea
Kyoung Jae Lim: Department of Regional Infrastructure Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si 24341, Republic of Korea
Jonggun Kim: Department of Regional Infrastructure Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si 24341, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 6, 1-20

Abstract: Urban rivers exhibit characteristics of low flow and significant water quality fluctuations, making them susceptible to pollution from various sources such as untreated sewage, non-point pollution within the urban area, and unknown inflows. To address water quality management in urban rivers, precise investigations into background water quality, pollution levels, and the characteristics of pollution sources are essential. Following the identification of pollution sources, sustainable river management strategies, incorporating both structural and non-structural measures, are crucial. This study aims to develop continuous and long-term river management strategies, considering the characteristics of urban river basins, through citizen participation governance and non-structural approaches. Citizen networks were formed for each target urban river, and activities for water quality improvement were proposed and implemented. This study provides phased approaches to citizen participation governance, and activities include citizen-led water quality monitoring, the purification and monitoring of riverbank pollution sources, and water-related education. It emphasizes the importance of local residents’ interest in urban river water quality improvement and underscores the need for sustained activities through local citizen networks. Additionally, active participation and investments from the local government, government agencies, and various experts are deemed essential.

Keywords: urban river management; citizen participation governance; non-structural practices; citizen participation water quality monitoring; sustainable water quality improvement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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