According to data revealed in the parliamentary inspection on the Ministry of Environment, the tap water leakage in 2011 alone was 629 million cubic meters (22.2 billion cubic feet). Even though this is down 14.3 percent from 734 million cubic meters in 2007, the total loss loss was almost same because for the four years the cost of tap water per cubic square meter has increased to 813.40 won from 715.40 won.

 

Hwang Seok-tae, Ministry of Environment manager responsible for water supply policy, said, "Most local autonomous bodies responsible for water pipeline maintenance are delaying repairs on old pipes due to insufficient funds. Our ministry is trying hard to secure funds to support the autonomous bodies, but these are just drops in the bucket."