The National Assembly sought ways to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to the domestic integrated water management sector. AI-based water management systems can be used in a range of areas, including water treatment plants, disaster prediction, and water resources.
According to political circles on the 11th, the National Assembly Water Forum held a debate on the 10th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building under the theme "AI-transforming future water management measures."
Chair Han Jeong-ae, who serves as head of the National Assembly Water Forum, said at the debate that day, "The Republic of Korea can accelerate an AI transition across water management, including AI water treatment plants, flood and drought forecasting, and digital twin water management, based on the technologies and data accumulated so far, and model it to expand it worldwide," adding, "The National Assembly Water Forum will support the AI transition in water management through legislation and policy."
The debate was prepared to discuss ways to use AI for integrated water management and to seek a roadmap to systematically apply AI to the water management sector. Song Ho-seok, Director General for water resources policy at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, presented "The current status and challenges of AI-based water management policy," and Noh Jun-rae, head of AI Innovation at K-water (Water), presented "The direction of AI water management pursued by K-water." Hwang Seok-hwan, research fellow at the water resources and river research division of the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), addressed "Google-led flood early warning markets and Korea."
Director General Song Ho-seok said, "There is a global shortage of water containers, and water demand is surging," adding, "The government should build a rapid and accurate flood response system through AI-based water management and create a foundation to foster the AI water industry."
Minister Noh Jun-rae said, "The accelerated impacts of climate change are intensifying difficulties across water management, including flood control, water use, and water quality." Research fellow Hwang Seok-hwan emphasized, "Korea needs to build an AI-based decision-making platform that can integrate the management of high-density cities and complex river systems."