1. Reason for enactment

The Act on the Promotion and Support of Water Cycle has been enacted (Law No. 19758; enacted and promulgated on October 24, 2023; implemented on October 25, 2024) to promote the sound circulation of water by implementing integrated countermeasures based on the results of an inclusive evaluation and analysis of the entire water cycle processes, as rapid climate change and an increase in impervious surfaces due to urbanization have resulted in complex water-related problems, including unprecedented flooding, droughts, and a deterioration in water quality. The proposed Enforcement Rules are designed to provide the matters delegated by the Act and its Enforcement Decree and the matters necessary for their implementation.

2. Main contents 

a. It stipulates the documents which city or provincial governors, mayors, and county or district office heads are required to submit to propose the designation or change of a water cycle promotion zone (Article 2 of the draft).

b. It provides details for the composition and operation of an evaluation committee to review any designation or change of a water cycle promotion zone when a city governor, mayor, or county or district office head proposes a designation or change of a water cycle promotion zone (Article 3 of the draft).

c. It stipulates the format of the application form to be submitted when a person performs acts that are restricted in a water cycle promotion zones, starting from the date on which the comprehensive water cycle plan is announced (Article 4 of the draft).

d. It provides the format for the documents to be submitted when applying for approval of an implementation plan developed by a project implementing person in order to implement a promotion project in a water cycle promotion zone, and also stipulates the review organization when the Minister of Environment approves or modifies an implementation plan (Article 5 of the draft).

e. It prescribes the quality certification targets, scope, and standards for products and facilities which the Minister of Environment will use when certifying the quality of water cycle facilities (Article 6 of the draft). 

f. It provides the scope of service entities to be designated as water cycle quality certification agencies, the documents to be submitted for designation, and the reasons for revocation of their designation (Article 7 of the draft).

g. It prescribes the quality certification procedures for the products and facilities which the Minister of Environment will use when certifying the quality of water cycle facilities, the method of labeling quality certifications, and revocation of the quality certification (Articles 8 to 11 of the draft). 

h. It specifies the documents to be submitted by a person or entity that wishes to be designated as an expert training entity and prescribes the format of the application and designation letters (Article 13 of the draft).