The government has stated that it is difficult to substantiate claims that wastewater from North Korea’s Pyongsan uranium plant is the cause of uranium levels exceeding drinking water quality standards at a water facility in Seogeumdo, Ganghwa County, Incheon.
On Monday, the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment reported that recent tests at the Seogeumdo water facility detected uranium levels of 45 µg/L, surpassing the drinking water quality standard of 30 µg/L. This has sparked speculation on social media about potential contamination from the Pyongsan uranium plant.
The government explained that following concerns about wastewater discharge from the Pyongsan plant, the Nuclear Safety Commission has been conducting monthly inspections since July 2025, transitioning to quarterly inspections from 2026. The most recent inspection in June 2026 found uranium concentrations ranging from 0.133 to 3.025 µg/L at seven locations, including the Han River estuary and areas near Ganghwa Island. Regular inspections since July of last year have consistently shown levels between 0.054 and 3.237 µg/L, which are consistent with naturally occurring concentrations.
Given the very low uranium levels detected in the Han River and near Ganghwa Island, the Ministry of Climate stated that it is difficult to conclude that the Seogeumdo water facility has been affected by wastewater from the Pyongsan uranium plant.
The ministry plans to provide technical support and bottled water through the Han River Basin Environmental Office and Korea Water Resources Corporation. They will also conduct on-site monitoring with the National Institute of Environmental Research, K-Water, and external experts to determine the cause of the elevated uranium levels. If the detailed analysis suggests the need for additional wells or alternative water sources, the ministry will work with Incheon City on appropriate follow-up measures.
The government has cautioned against spreading unverified information on social media, warning that such actions may be subject to legal consequences under the Information and Communications Network Act.
