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DRINKING WATER MANAGEMENT ACT

Wholly Amended by Act No. 8368, Apr. 11, 2007

Amended by Act No. 8629, Aug. 3, 2007

Act No. 8952, Mar. 21, 2008

Act No. 10154, Mar. 22, 2010

Act No. 10219, Mar. 31, 2010

Act No. 10893, Jul. 21, 2011

Act No. 11463, jun. 1, 2012

Act No. 11663, Mar. 22, 2013

Act No. 11998, Aug. 6, 2013

Act No. 12318, Jan. 21, 2014

Act No. 13164, Feb. 3, 2015

Act No. 13601, Dec. 22, 2015

Act No. 14474, Dec. 27, 2016

Act No. 14476, Dec. 27, 2016

Act No. 14532, Jan. 17, 2017

Act No. 15652, jun. 12, 2018

Act No. 16079, Dec. 24, 2018

Act No. 17091, Mar. 24, 2020

Act No. 17326, May 26, 2020

Act No. 17840, Jan. 5, 2021

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
 Article 1 (Purpose)
The purpose of this Act is to contribute to improving public health by rationally managing the quality and hygiene of drinking water. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
 Article 2 (Responsibilities)
(1) The State and local governments shall develop appropriate policies for all citizens to be provided with quality drinking water, and give appropriate guidance to and management over drinking water-related business operators.
(2) Any drinking water-related business operator shall provide, in a safe and proper manner, quality drinking water in accordance with relevant statutes or regulations.
 Article 3 (Definitions)
The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Aug. 3, 2007; Mar. 22, 2010; Mar., 22, 2013; Dec. 22, 2015; Dec. 24, 2018; May 26, 2020>
1. The term "drinking water" means natural water commonly used for drinking purposes, and processed water to make natural water potable, such as tap water, drinking spring water, drinking saline groundwater and deep sea drinking water;
2. The term "spring water" means naturally clear water in bedrock aquifers, groundwater, or springs which can be safely maintained to be used for drinking purposes;
3. The term "drinking spring water" means processed water to make spring water potable by means of physical treatment, etc.;
3-2. The term "saline groundwater" means groundwater in bedrock aquifers, in which the contents of salinity, etc. dissolved exceed the standards prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment, and raw water to be used for drinking purposes in a natural state, the safety of which can be continuously maintained;
3-3. The term "drinking saline groundwater" means processed water to make saline groundwater portable by means of physical treatment, etc.;
4. The term "deep sea drinking water" means processed water to make deep sea water defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Development and Management of Deep Sea Water Act potable by means of physical treatment, etc.;
5. The term "water treatment chemical" means any chemical added to purify or pasteurize natural water or to prevent the oxidization of drinking water supply facilities;
6. The term "public drinking water facilities" means mineral springs, fountain sites, wells, etc. developed, or naturally formed, to provide a large number of people with drinking water;
6-2. The term "cold and hot water dispenser" means an apparatus which has a function to convert drinking spring water or drinking saline groundwater in a container into cold or hot water and to supply it through intake taps;
6-3. The term "person in charge of installation and management of cold and hot water dispensers" means a person who installs and manages a cold and hot water dispenser to supply drinking spring water or drinking saline groundwater to many people at a public-use facility referred to in Article 3 (1) of the Indoor Air Quality Control Act;
7. The term "water purifier" means an apparatus manufactured to adapt drinking water to the quality standards for drinking water referred to in Article 5 (3) through a physical, chemical or biological process or through a combination of these processes so that such water is supplied through a faucet (including any apparatus manufactured to also supply cold and hot water, ice, etc. equipped with the devices prescribed and publicly notified by the Minister of Environment, such as a cold and hot water device or an ice-making device) and has the function of reducing contaminants contained in inflow water;
7-2. The term "person in charge of installation and management of water purifiers" means a person who installs and manages water purifiers to supply drinking water to many people at a public-use facility referred to in Article 3 (1) of the Indoor Air Quality Control Act;
8. The term "quality test of water purifiers" means any test conducted to comprehensively examine the structures, materials, water-purification performance, etc. of water purifiers;
9. The term "drinking water-related business" means manufacturing business, import-sale business, or distribution-sale business of drinking spring water or drinking saline groundwater, manufacturing business of water treatment chemicals, or manufacturing business or import-sale business of water purifiers;
9-2. The term "distribution-sale business" means business of distributing and selling products using one’s trademark, by ordering a third party to produce them instead of producing them directly.
 Article 4 (Scope of Application)
Of the matters related to drinking water, the Water Supply and Waterworks Installation Act shall apply to tap water and the Development and Management of Deep Sea Water Act shall apply to drinking deep sea water: Provided, That this Act shall apply to the quality standards for drinking water under Article 5 (3).
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 21, 2008]
CHAPTER II QUALITY CONTROL OF DRINKING WATER
 Article 5 (Quality Control of Drinking Water)
(1) The Minister of Environment shall develop policies necessary for controlling the quality of drinking water, spring water and saline groundwater, such as determining and disseminating quality standards for drinking water, spring water and saline groundwater. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013>
(2) The Minister of Environment, the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Do Governor, or a Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor") shall conduct the quality tests of drinking water, spring water and saline groundwater. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Jun. 1, 2012; Mar. 22, 2013>
(3) The standards for, and the frequency of, quality tests of drinking water, spring water and saline groundwater shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013>
(4) To establish the quality standards for drinking water, etc. under paragraph (3), the Minister of Environment may designate items requiring monitoring, such as substances likely to be harmful that are contained in drinking water, spring water and saline groundwater, as water quality monitoring items for drinking water, spring water and saline groundwater. In such cases, details regarding subject matters of and procedures for designating water quality monitoring items for drinking water, spring water and saline groundwater, monitoring criteria by each item, test cycles, etc. shall be prescribed and publicly notified by the Minister of Environment. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 24, 2018>
(5) If deemed necessary to improve the quality of drinking water, spring water and saline groundwater, the Special Metropolitan City, a Metropolitan City, a Special Self-Governing City, a Do or a Special Self-Governing Province (hereinafter referred to as "City/Do") may establish, by its municipal ordinance, tighter provisions governing the standards for, and the frequency of, quality tests of drinking water under paragraph (3). <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010; Jun. 1, 2012; Mar. 22, 2013; Dec. 24, 2018>
(6) Where the standards for, and the frequency of, quality tests of drinking water are established or altered pursuant to paragraph (5), the relevant Mayor/Do Governor shall report such fact to the Minister of Environment without delay, and shall take measures necessary to enable the interested persons to be aware of such fact, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010; Dec. 24, 2018>
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2013]
 Article 6 (Methods of Officially Determined Quality Test for Drinking Water)
The Minister of Environment shall determine and publicly notify an officially determined quality test for drinking water to ensure the accuracy and uniformity of test of drinking water.
[This Article shall be valid until Oct. 4, 2007 pursuant to the provisions of Article 2 of the Addenda to Act No. 8369 ( Apr. 11, 2007)]
 Article 7 (Drinking Water Quality Supervisors)
(1) The Ministry of Environment, Cities/Dos, Sis/Guns/Gus (referring to autonomous Gus; hereinafter the same shall apply) shall have drinking water quality supervisors to assign them to conduct the duties of related public officials under this Act and provide guidance, etc. on the quality of drinking water. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) The qualifications for, appointment, scope of duties of drinking water quality supervisors under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 Article 8 (Management of Public Drinking Water Facilities)
(1) A Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu (the head of a Gu means the head of an autonomous Gu; hereinafter referred to as "head of a Si/Gun/Gu") in which public drinking water facilities are located shall take measures necessary for properly managing the public drinking water facilities in order to supply good quality drinking water to citizens, including improving such facilities, conducting periodic inspections of the water quality of such facilities, and prohibiting the use of, or closing such facilities if they are found unsuitable as public drinking water facilities as a result of inspections of the water quality, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jun. 1, 2012; Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 21, 2014>
(2) No person shall degrade the water quality of public drinking water facilities or cause damage to such facilities.
(3) Public drinking water facilities to be managed, the management methods thereof and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
(4) If deemed necessary for improving the water quality of public drinking water facilities, a Special Self-Governing City, a Special Self-Governing Province, and a Si/Gun/Gu may establish, by its municipal ordinance, tighter provisions governing the public drinking water facilities to be managed, the management methods and other necessary matters prescribed under paragraph (3). <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010; Jun. 1, 2012>
(5) Where the public drinking water facilities to be managed, the management methods, and other necessary matters prescribed or altered pursuant to paragraph (4), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall report such fact to the Minister of Environment without delay, and take measures necessary to enable the interested persons to be aware of such fact, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010>
(6) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall report, to the Minister of Environment, the results of inspections of the water quality of public drinking water facilities conducted under paragraph (1), as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014>
(7) The Minister of Environment may require the head of a Si/Gun/Gu to take measures necessary for periodic inspections, prohibition of the use of, closure, and improvement of the public drinking water facilities under paragraph (1). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014>
 Article 8-2 (Installation and Management of Cold and Hot Water Dispensers or Water Purifiers)
(1) A person in charge of installation and management of cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers shall file a report with the head of a Si/Gun/Gu on where and how many cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers are installed and other relevant information, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. The same shall apply to alterations to important matters specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment in the report. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013>
(2) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall notify a person who has filed a report or a report on alterations under paragraph (1) as to whether or not to accept such report, within seven days from the date of the receipt thereof. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(3) Where a Mayor/Do Governor fails to notify a person who has filed a report as to whether or not to accept it or the extension of the processing period pursuant to the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions, within the period prescribed in paragraph (2), the report shall be deemed accepted on the following day after the end of such period (referring to the relevant processing period where the processing period under the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions is extended or re-extended). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(4) No person in charge of installation and management of cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers shall install them at places where drinking water is vulnerable to contamination. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 5, 2021>
(5) A person in charge of installation and management of cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers shall manage them hygienically by periodic cleaning, disinfection, etc. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 5, 2021>
(6) Specific standards for places in which the installation of cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers is prohibited under paragraph (4) and the methods of managing cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers under paragraph (5) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 5, 2021>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010]
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2013]
CHAPTER III DEVELOPMENT AND PRESERVATION OF SPRING WATER
 Article 8-3 (Designation of Spring Water Preservation Areas)
(1) In order to preserve the quality of spring water, a Mayor/Do Governor may designate any of the following areas or an area adjacent thereto as a spring water preservation area (hereinafter referred to as "spring water preservation area"): <Amended on May 26, 2020>
1. An area with abundant spring water which contains plentiful minerals beneficial to human bodies and is therefore highly valuable as raw water for drinking spring water;
2. An area with abundant spring water;
3. Other areas prescribed by Presidential Decree as necessary for preserving the quality of spring water.
(2) If a Mayor/Do Governor intends to designate a spring water preservation area pursuant to paragraph (1) or to alter the designation thereof, he or she shall consult with the head of a relevant administrative agency: Provided, That the same shall not apply to any alteration to minor matters prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) If necessary to designate a spring water preservation area spanning the jurisdictions of at least two Cities/Dos, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor shall consult with each other to jointly designate such area or shall determine an authority to designate it.
(4) If a Mayor/Do Governor has designated a spring water preservation area pursuant to paragraph (1) or has altered the designation thereof, he or she shall, without delay, publicly notify such fact and file a report thereon to the Minister of Environment, and shall notify the head of a Si/Gun/Gu thereof to make it available for public inspection
(5) Matters concerning the scope and procedures of the designation of spring water preservation areas and other matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 1, 2012]
 Article 8-4 (Hearing Opinions of Residents)
(1) If a Mayor/Do Governor intends to designate a spring water preservation area pursuant to Article 8-3 (1) or to alter the designation thereof, he or she shall hear opinions of the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over and persons residing in an area subject to such designation or alteration of the designation (hereinafter referred to as "residents, etc."), and if their opinions are deemed proper, the Mayor/Do Governor shall reflect their opinions: Provided, That the same shall not apply to minor matters prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) Matters necessary for hearing opinions of residents, etc. under paragraph (1) shall be determined by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 1, 2012]
 Article 8-5 (Activities Prohibited in Spring Water Preservation Areas)
(1) No person shall engage in any of the following activities in spring water preservation areas: Provided, That the same shall not apply to installation of facilities determined by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment annexed to spring water manufacturing facilities and their ancillary facilities upon obtaining permission from the Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment: <Amended on Jan. 17, 2017>
2. Installation of waste disposal facilities defined in subparagraph 8 of Article 2 of the Wastes Control Act;
3. Installation of specific facilities subject to the control of soil contamination defined in subparagraph 4 of Article 2 of the Soil Environment Conservation Act;
4. Installation of wastewater discharge facilities defined in subparagraph 10 of Article 2 of the Water Environment Conservation Act;
5. Installation of a public sewage treatment plant defined in subparagraph 9 of Article 2 of the Sewerage Act, or installation of a waste treatment plant defined in subparagraph 10 of said Article;
6. Installation of waste-generating facilities defined in subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Act on the Management and Use of Livestock Excreta, or installation of disposal facilities defined in subparagraph 8 of said Article;
7. Installation of other contamination-causing facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 1, 2012]
 Article 9 (Permission to Develop Spring Water or Saline Groundwater)
(1) Any person who intends to develop spring water or saline groundwater (hereinafter referred to as "spring water, etc.") in excess of the scale prescribed by Presidential Decree shall obtain permission from the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) If any person who has obtained permission pursuant to paragraph (1) intends to alter important matters prescribed by Presidential Decree among the permitted matters, he or she shall obtain approval for alterations thereto, and if he or she intends to alter other matters, he or she shall file a report on alterations thereto. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010>
(3) A Mayor/Do Governor shall notify a person who has filed a report on alterations under paragraph (2) as to whether or not to accept such report, within seven days from the date of the receipt thereof. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(4) Where a Mayor/Do Governor fails to notify a person who has filed a report as to whether or not to accept it or the extension of the processing period pursuant to the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions, within the period prescribed in paragraph (3), the report on alterations shall be deemed accepted on the following day after the end of such period (referring to the relevant processing period where the processing period under the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions is extended or re-extended). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2010]
 Article 10 (Temporary Permission to Develop Spring Water, etc.)
(1) Before a Mayor/Do Governor grants permission to develop spring water, etc. in accordance with Article 9, he or she may grant temporary permission to a person who intends to develop spring water, etc. subject to an environmental impact survey provided for in Article 13 (1) on condition that he or she conduct an environmental impact survey and submit a document thereon (hereinafter referred to as "survey document") by the deadline prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
(2) Where a person who has obtained temporary permission pursuant to paragraph (1) fails to submit a survey document by the prescribed deadline without just causes, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor shall revoke such temporary permission. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>
(3) Where a person who has obtained temporary permission to develop spring water, etc. pursuant to paragraph (1) intends to alter matters prescribed by Presidential Decree among the temporarily permitted matters, he or she shall file a report thereon with the relevant Mayor/Do Governor within one month from the date the cause has occurred. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
(4) A Mayor/Do Governor shall notify a person who has filed a report on alterations under paragraph (3) as to whether or not to accept such report, within seven days from the date of the receipt thereof. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(5) Where a Mayor/Do Governor fails to notify a person who has filed a report as to whether or not to accept it or the extension of the processing period pursuant to the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions, within the period prescribed in paragraph (4), the report on alterations shall be deemed accepted on the following day after the end of such period (referring to the relevant processing period where the processing period under the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions is extended or re-extended). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2010]
[Title Amended on Jan. 5, 2021]
 Article 11 (Restrictions, etc. on Permission to Develop Spring Water, etc.)
(1) Where the development of other public groundwater resources or the quality, etc. of surface waters is likely to be affected by the development of spring water, etc. as a result of an environmental impact examination conducted under Article 18, a Mayor/Do Governor may refuse to grant permission to develop spring water, etc. under Article 9. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) Where a Mayor/Do Governor grants permission to develop spring water, etc. under Article 9, he or she may impose necessary conditions, such as restricting the volume of daily water intake based on the findings from the technical review of a survey document conducted under Article 18. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(3) The development of saline groundwater may be permitted pursuant to Article 9 only in an area designated and publicly notified as a management area where saline groundwater can be developed in an environmentally safe manner, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010>
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2010]
 Article 12 (Term of Validity of Permission to Develop Spring Water, etc.)
(1) The term of validity of permission to develop spring water, etc. granted under Article 9 shall be five years. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) Upon receipt of an application of a person who has obtained permission to develop spring water, etc., a Mayor/Do Governor may extend the term of validity. In such cases, the period of each extension shall be five years. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(3) Procedures for filing applications for an extension of the term of validity under paragraph (2) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2010]
 Article 12-2 (Revocation of Permission to Develop Spring Water, etc.)
(1) Where a person obtains permission to develop spring water, etc. under Article 9 or obtains an extension of the term of validity of such permission by fraud or other improper means, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor shall revoke such permission. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) Where a person who has obtained permission to develop spring water, etc. pursuant to Article 9 falls under any of the following cases, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may revoke such permission: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; May 26, 2020>
1. Where he or she fails to develop spring water, etc. or to obtain permission for business of manufacturing drinking spring water or drinking saline groundwater (hereinafter referred to as "drinking spring water, etc.") without just causes within two years after having obtained permission: Provided, That this shall not apply where he or she has obtained permission to develop spring water, etc. under Article 9 by reason of the change of groundwater usage, increase in water intake capacity, etc. under Article 53;
2. Where he or she fails to re-obtain permission for business of manufacturing drinking spring water, etc. within two years after his or her permission was revoked.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2008]
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2010]
 Article 13 (Environmental Impact Surveys)
(1) Anyone who intends to manufacture drinking spring water, etc. and anyone who intends to develop springs, etc., the daily water-intake capacity of which meets the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree among those who intend to obtain permission to develop spring water, etc. pursuant to Article 9 shall conduct an environmental impact survey to take measures that can reduce impacts on the surrounding environment due to the development of the spring water, etc. and hazardous effects caused by the surrounding environment by predicting and analyzing such impacts and effects, and shall prepare a survey document and submit it to the relevant Mayor/Do Governor when applying for permission under Article 9. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013>
(2) The items and methods of, and standards for evaluation of, environmental impact surveys, and preparation of survey documents provided for in paragraph (1) and other matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
 Article 14 (Environmental Impact Surveys by Agents)
Any person who intends to develop springs, etc. subject to an environmental impact survey under Article 13 (1) among those who intend to obtain permission to develop springs, etc. pursuant to Article 9 shall entrust an agent for environmental impact surveys registered under Article 15 (hereinafter referred to as "survey agent") with the environmental impact survey when preparing a survey document. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 21, 2014>
 Article 14-2 (Matters to Be Observed in Relation to Environmental Impact Surveys)
(1) A survey agent shall preserve survey documents and data prescribed by the Minister of Environment, based on which the survey documents are prepared, for a period specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment (hereafter referred to as "preservation period" in this Article): Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where such survey documents are prepared in an electric form and made public through an information and communications network, etc. during the preservation period in the manner determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Environment.
(2) A survey agent shall comply with the following:
1. Do not prepare any survey document reproducing the content of other survey document;
2. Do not prepare any survey document and data, based on which such survey document are prepared, in a fraudulent or incomplete manner;
3. Do not lend his or her certificate of registration or name, or subcontract, in a turnkey basis, environmental impact surveys with which he or she has been entrusted, to any third person;
4. Undergo an accuracy inspection of a measuring instrument under Article 11 of the Environmental Examination and Inspection Act, if he or she makes measurements using such measuring instrument and utilizes the results of measurement for the preparation, etc. of survey documents.
(3) Specific standards for fraudulent or incomplete preparation referred to in paragraph (2) 2 shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014]
 Article 15 (Registration of Environmental Impact Survey Agents)
Any person who intends to conduct environmental impact surveys as an agent shall meet the standards prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment for technical capabilities, facilities and equipment, and shall register with the relevant Mayor/Do Governor. The same shall also apply to any alteration to an important registered matter prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
 Article 16 (Grounds for Disqualification)
None of the following persons shall register as provided in Article 15: <Amended on Jul. 3, 2015; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. An incompetent person under adult guardianship or a quasi-incompetent person under limited guardianship;
2. A person declared bankrupt and not yet reinstated;
3. A person sentenced to imprisonment with labor for a violation of this Act in whose case two years have not elapsed from the date of the termination of execution of such sentence (including where such execution is deemed terminated) or from the date of the exemption from such execution;
4. A person sentenced to suspension of execution of imprisonment with labor for a violation of this Act, who is in the period of suspension of such sentence;
5. A person in whose case two years have not yet elapsed after registration was revoked under Article 17 (excluding where the registration is revoked for falling under subparagraph 1 or 2 of this Article);
6. A corporation, any of whose executives falls under any of subparagraphs 1 through 5.
 Article 17 (Revocation of Registration of Survey Agents)
(1) Where any of the following applies to a survey agent, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may revoke his or her registration or issue an order to suspend his or her business for a specified period of up to six months: Provided, That where subparagraph 1, 2 or 9 applies to him or her, the Mayor/Do Governor must revoke his or her registration: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 21, 2014>
1. Where he or she falls under any subparagraph of Article 16: Provided, That this shall not apply where any executive of a corporation who falls under subparagraph 6 of Article 16 is replaced within three months;
2. Where he or she obtains registration by fraud or other improper means;
3. Where he or she fails to preserve a survey document or data, based on which the survey document is prepared, in violation of Article 14-2 (1);
3-2. Where he or she prepares a survey document reproducing the content of other survey document, in violation of Article 14-2 (2) 1;
3-3. Where he or she prepares a false survey document and data, based on which the survey document is prepared, or prepares an incomplete survey document, in violation of Article 14-2 (2) 2;
3-4. Where he or she lends his or her certificate of registration or name, or subcontracts in a turnkey basis environmental impact surveys with which he or she has been entrusted, to any third person, in violation of Article 14-2 (2) 3;
3-5. Where he or she fails to undergo an accuracy inspection of his or her measuring instrument, in violation of Article 14-2 (2) 4;
4. Where he or she fails to meet the requirements of registration prescribed in Article 15;
5. Where he or she is subject to the disposition of the suspension of business on at least two occasions a year;
6. Where he or she unconscientiously conducts environmental impact surveys as an agent, such as failure to conduct a required field survey, intentionally or by gross negligence;
7. Where he or she fails to commence environmental impact surveys as an agent within five years after completing registration as an agent or he or she has no record of conducting an environment impact survey for at least five consecutive years;
8. Where he or she engages in agency business without registering any alteration to an important matter required under the latter part of Article 15;
9. Where he or she conducts environmental impact surveys as an agent in the period during which his or her business is suspended.
(2) Standards for administrative dispositions prescribed in paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
 Article 18 (Environmental Impact Examination)
(1) The Mayor/Do Governor shall forward the survey document submitted under Article 13 (1) to the Minister of Environment for its technical examination.
(2) In conducting the technical examination of the survey document submitted under paragraph (1), the Minister of Environment may consider opinions of an expert as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
CHAPTER IV BUSINESS OPERATION
 Article 19 (Prohibition from Sales)
No person shall sell any of the following for serving as a drink, or gather, manufacture, import, store, transport or display them for sale: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010>
1. Water, other than drinking spring water, etc., or the same in a container;
2. Drinking spring water, etc. manufactured without permission under Article 21 (1), or the same in a container;
3. Drinking spring water, etc. imported without an import report under Article 26 (1), or the same in a container;
4. Deleted. <Jan. 21, 2014>
 Article 20 (Standards for Facilities)
Any person who intends to carry on a drinking water-related business shall be furnished with the facilities which meet the standards as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
 Article 21 (Permission for Business)
(1) Any person who intends to engage in manufacturing business of drinking spring water, etc. shall obtain permission from the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. The same shall apply to any alteration to an important matter prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) Any person who intends to engage in manufacturing business of water treatment chemicals shall file for registration with the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. The same shall apply to any alteration to an important matter prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
(3) Any person who intends to engage in import-sale business of drinking spring water, etc. shall file for registration with the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. The same shall apply to any alteration to an important matter prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(4) A Mayor/Do Governor shall notify a person who has filed an application for registration or registration of alterations under paragraph (3) as to whether or not to grant registration or registration of alterations within seven days from the date of the receipt of such application. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(5) Where a Mayor/Do Governor fails to notify an applicant as to whether or not to grant registration or the extension of the processing period pursuant to the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions, within the period prescribed in paragraph (4), the registration or registration of alterations shall be deemed granted on the following day after the end of such period (referring to the relevant processing period where the processing period under the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions is extended or re-extended). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(6) Any person who intends to engage in distribution-sale business of drinking spring water, etc. shall file a report thereon with the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. The same shall also apply to any alteration to an important matter prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
(7) Any person who intends to engage in manufacturing business or import-sale business of water purifiers shall file a report thereon with the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment upon undergoing an inspection by an institution designated by the Minister of Environment pursuant to Article 43 (1). The same shall apply to any alteration to an important matter prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
(8) A Mayor/Do Governor shall notify a person who has filed a report or a report on alterations under paragraph (6) or (7) as to whether or not to accept such report within seven days from the date of the receipt thereof. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(9) Where a Mayor/Do Governor fails to notify a person who has filed a report as to whether or not to accept it or the extension of the processing period pursuant to the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions, within the period prescribed in paragraph (8), the report or report on alterations shall be deemed accepted on the following day after the end of such period (referring to the relevant processing period where the processing period under the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions is extended or re-extended). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(10) In granting permission under paragraph (1), the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may impose a condition, such as restricting the volume of daily water intake based on the findings from the technical review of a survey document conducted under Article 18. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
(11) Where any person who has obtained permission for business operation or has completed registration or filed a report under paragraphs (1) through (9) intends to suspend, resume or discontinue his or her business operation, or alter minor matters among the permitted, registered or reported matters, he or she shall report thereon to the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
 Article 22 (Management of Level, Volume and Quality of Spring Water, etc.)
(1) A person who has obtained business permission to manufacture drinking spring water, etc. pursuant to Article 21 (1) (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc.") shall properly install, operate, and manage automatic measuring instruments capable of automatically and consecutively measuring and recording the level, volume and quality of spring water, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "automatic measuring instrument"), as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2013>
(2) A Mayor/Do Governor may require a manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc. to submit the results of measurement taken by automatic measuring instruments (hereinafter referred to as "results of measurement"), as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013>
(3) A Mayor/Do Governor may require a specialized groundwater-related agency designated by the Minister of Environment to analyze the results of measurement submitted pursuant to paragraph (2). <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013>
(4) Where an analysis of the results of measurement shows that drinking spring water, etc. fails to meet the standards for water quality determined under Article 5 (3) or (5) or that such water has been drawn in excess of the volume of daily water intake determined under Article 11 (2), a Mayor/Do Governor may order the relevant manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc. to restrict or stop water intake. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013; Dec. 24, 2018>
(5) A Mayor/Do Governor may grant subsidies for expenses incurred in analyzing the results of measurement under paragraph (3) to a specialized groundwater-related agency under paragraph (3). <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2013>
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2013]
 Article 23 (Conditional Permission for Business Operation)
(1) A Mayor/Do Governor may grant permission on condition that the facilities prescribed in Article 20 be installed within the period stipulated by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment in granting permission under Article 21 (1).
(2) A Mayor/Do Governor shall revoke permission where any person who has obtained such permission under paragraph (1) fails to install, without justifiable grounds, the facilities within the stipulated period.
 Article 24 (Limitations on Permission for Business Operation)
None of the following persons shall obtain permission, file for registration or file a report under Article 21 (1) through (3), and (6): <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Feb. 3, 2015; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. Where a person who intends to operate business (in case of a corporation, including its executives; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article) is an incompetent person under adult guardianship or a quasi-incompetent person under limited guardianship;
2. Where a person who intends to operate business has been declared bankrupt and has not yet been reinstated;
3. Where a person who intends to operate business has been sentenced to imprisonment for a violation of this Act and the execution of his or her sentence has not yet terminated (including where such execution is deemed terminated) or exempted;
4. Where a person (in case of a corporation, including its representative), in whose case one year has not yet elapsed since permission for or registration of his or her business operation was revoked under Article 48 (1) through (3), intends to operate the same category of business;
5. Where a person, in whose case one year has not yet elapsed since permission for or registration of his or her business operation was revoked under Article 48 (1) through (3), intends to operate manufacturing business of drinking spring water or water treatment chemicals at the same place as the previous place of business;
6. Where serious environmental damage or hazards, including ground subsidence and the depletion of water resources, which meet the standards set by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment, occur or is likely to occur (limited to manufacturing business of drinking spring water, etc.).
 Article 25 (Succession of Business)
(1) When any drinking water-related business operator transfers his or her business or dies or any corporate drinking water-related business operators merge with another corporation, the transferee, successor or corporation surviving the merger or newly incorporated shall succeed to the status of the business operator.
(2) Any person who acquires all business facilities and equipment on any of the following grounds shall succeed to the status of the former business operator. In such cases, business permission and registration of the former business operator shall become void: <Amended on Mar. 31, 2010; Dec. 27, 2016>
1. Auction under the Civil Execution Act;
3. Sales of confiscated property under the National Tax Collection Act, the Customs Act or the Local Tax Collection Act;
4. Procedures corresponding to those referred to in subparagraphs 1 through 3.
(3) Any person who has succeeded to the status of a business operator under paragraph (1) or (2) shall report to the relevant Mayor/Do Governor within one month, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
 Article 26 (Import Reports,)
(1) Any person who intends to import drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals or their containers shall file a report with the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) A Mayor/Do Governor shall notify a person who has filed a report under paragraph (1) as to whether or not to accept such report, within 25 days from the date of the receipt thereof. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(3) Where a Mayor/Do Governor fails to notify a person who has filed a report as to whether or not to accept it or the extension of the processing period pursuant to the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions, within the period prescribed in paragraph (2), the report shall be deemed accepted on the following day after the end of such period (referring to the relevant processing period where the processing period under the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions is extended or re-extended). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(4) Where deemed necessary, a Mayor/Do Governor may require relevant public officials or relevant inspection institutes to inspect drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, or their containers reported under paragraph (1) before the completion of the customs clearance. In such cases, if a port of entry (referring to a place where the imported products are stored, if they are taken out of a bonded area under the Customs Act; hereafter the same shall apply in this paragraph) is located at an area under the jurisdiction of another Mayor/Do Governor, he or she may request a relevant inspection institute in the City/Do where the port of entry is located to conduct such inspections. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
(5) A Mayor/Do Governor may refuse inspections referred to in paragraph (4) with respect to an import-sale business operator of drinking spring water, etc. who has failed to pay water quality improvement charges under Article 31 on at least two occasions. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
 Article 27 (Quality Controllers)
(1) A manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemical manufacturer, or water purifier manufacturer shall employ a quality controller: Provided, That where a manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemical manufacturer, or water purifier manufacturer, who is a natural person, has been qualified as a quality controller prescribed under paragraph (4) and directly performs duties under paragraph (2), he or she may elect not to employ another quality controller. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) A quality controller shall control quality of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals or water purifiers in the process of manufacturing and shall hygienically manage the manufacturing facilities. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(3) A manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemical manufacturer, or water purifier manufacturer shall not interfere with the duties of a quality controller performed under paragraph (2), and shall comply with any request necessary for the performance of the quality controller's duties unless just causes exist to the contrary. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(4) Standards for qualifications of a quality controller shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 Article 28 (Quality Control Training)
(1) A manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemical manufacturer or water purifier manufacturer, who is a natural person not employing a quality controller under the proviso of Article 27 (1), shall regularly undergo quality control training conducted by the Minister of Environment (hereinafter referred to as "quality control training"), and a manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemical manufacturer or water purifier manufacturer referred to in the main clause of Article 27 (1) shall require quality controllers to regularly undergo quality control training. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013; Jun. 12, 2018>
(2) A person who intends to be a quality controller referred to in Article 27 shall undergo training under paragraph (1) in advance: Provided, That where any prospective quality controller is unable to undergo such training in advance due to any unexpected event or other inevitable grounds, he or she may undergo such training after he or she becomes a quality controller.
(3) Institutions providing quality control training under paragraphs (1) and (2), the details of such training, and other matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
(4) The Minister of Environment may collect expenses incurred in providing training referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) from trainees or those who employ trainees.
 Article 29 (Medical Examinations)
(1) Employees engaged in manufacturing drinking spring water, etc. (including manufacturers of drinking spring water, etc. if they are directly engaged in such manufacturing) shall undergo a medical examination: Provided, That where they have undergone the same medical examination under other statutes or regulations, they may be deemed undergone a medical examination under this Act. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) No manufacture of drinking spring water, etc. shall permit a person who has failed to undergo a medical examination under paragraph (1) and a person who, as a result of a medical examination, is deemed to have a disease that could cause harm to others to engage in such work. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010; May 26, 2020>
(3) The methods of conducting medical examinations under paragraph (1) and kinds of disqualifying diseases under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
 Article 30 (Matters to Be Observed)
Any drinking water-related business operator shall observe matters as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment in terms of the management of raw materials, production process, and quality control.
 Article 31 (Imposition and Collection of Water Quality Improvement Charges)
(1) The Minister of Environment may impose and collect water quality improvement charges (hereinafter referred to as "charges") on/from persons who have obtained permission to develop spring water, etc. pursuant to Article 9, manufacturers of drinking spring water, etc., import-sale business operators of drinking spring water, etc. in order to protect public groundwater resources and contribute to improving the quality of drinking water. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) The Minister of Environment shall impose and collect charges in an amount not exceeding three times the total sum of the following amounts calculated on the basis of water intake volume for persons who have obtained permission to develop spring water, etc. pursuant to Article 9 and manufacturers of drinking spring water, etc. and on the basis of the import volume of drinking spring water, etc. for import-sale business operators of drinking spring water, etc.: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jul. 21, 2011>
1. Costs of tap water and costs of sewerage under Article 21 of the Local Public Enterprises Act;
2. Charges imposed on a person who has caused to incur expenses under Article 71 of the Water Supply and Waterworks Installation Act;
3. Charges on burden-causing entities under Article 61 of the Sewerage Act.
4. An average amount of the following water use charges:
(a) Water use charges under Article 19 (1) of the Act on the Improvement of Water Quality and Support for Residents of the Han River Basin;
(b) Water use charges under Article 32 (1) of the Act on Water Management and Resident Support in the Nakdong River Basin;
(c) Water use charges under Article 30 (1) of the Act on Water Management and Resident Support in the Geum River Basin;
(d) Water use charges under Article 30 (1) of the Act on Water Management and Resident Support in the Yeongsan and Seomjin River Basins;
5. Expenditure in the category of water supply and water conservation of the national environmental improvement projects under Article 47 (1) 1 of the Framework Act on Environmental Policy.
(3) A person who has obtained permission to develop spring water, etc. pursuant to Article 9 shall install and maintain measuring instruments capable of measuring intake water volume, and submit the results of measurement to the Minister of Environment, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(4) A person who shall pay charges, the amount of charges, method of, and procedure for, imposing and collecting charges under paragraphs (1) and (2) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(5) The Minister of Environment shall impose and collect additional dues when a person liable to pay charges under paragraph (1) fails to pay such charges by the specified deadline. In such cases, Articles 21 and 22 of the National Tax Collection Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to additional dues.
(6) Charges and additional dues collected pursuant to paragraphs (1), (2) and (5) shall be the revenue of the Special Account for Environmental Improvement under the Framework Act on Environmental Policy. <Amended on Jul. 21, 2011>
(7) The Minister of Environment shall disburse an amount of money equivalent to 40/100 of the charges and additional dues collected from persons prescribed by Presidential Decree among those who have obtained permission to develop spring water, etc. and manufacturers of drinking spring water, etc. out of revenue of the Special Account for Environmental Improvement under paragraph (6) to a Special Self-Governing City, a Special Self-Governing Province, or a Si/Gun/Gu where the relevant springs are located. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jun. 1, 2012>
(8) Where the Minister of Environment delegates the authority to collect charges and additional dues to a Mayor/Do Governor pursuant to Article 55, he or she may pay to the Mayor/Do Governor some of the collected charges and additional dues as collection expenses, as prescribed Presidential Decree.
(9) The Minister of Environment may provide some of water quality improvement charges collected by reason of the development of spring water to the Mayor/Do Governor who designated the relevant spring water preservation area pursuant to Article 8-3 (1), as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jun. 1, 2012>
(10) Where a person liable to pay a penalty surcharge under paragraph (8) fails to pay the penalty surcharge by the deadline for payment, the head of the competent registration authority shall collect it in the same manner as delinquent national taxes are collected, or in accordance with the Act on the Collection of Local Administrative Penalty Charges. <Amended on Jun. 1, 2012; Jan. 5, 2021>
(11) The Minister of Environment may request the head of a local government to provide the taxation information of local taxes pursuant to Article 86 of the Framework Act on Local Taxes to collect the charges in arrears. In such cases, the head of the relevant local government shall comply with such request except in extenuating circumstances. <Amended on Mar. 31, 2010; Jun. 1, 2012; Dec. 27, 2016>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 21, 2008]
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2013]
 Article 31-2 (Objections to Charges)
(1) Where a person on whom charges have been imposed under Article 31 (1) or (2) has an objection to such charges, he or she may file an objection to the charges within 30 days after receipt of the charges imposed.
(2) Upon receipt of the objection filed under paragraph (1), the Minister of Environment shall deliberate on the objection within 15 days after receipt of the objection, and notify the relevant applicant of the results of deliberation in writing.
(3) Matters necessary for the method of filing and deliberating on objections, and notification of the results of deliberation on objections under paragraphs (1) and (2) and other matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2013]
 Article 32 (Deferred Collection of Charges and Payment of Charges in Installments)
(1) Where anyone liable to pay charges is deemed unable to pay such charges on any of the following grounds before the prescribed deadline, the Minister of Environment may defer the payment of such charges or permit him or her to pay such charges in installments: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
1. Where any natural disaster or other disaster causes a substantial loss to property;
2. Where he or she is in a serious business management crisis after suffering a business loss;
3. Where it is deemed inevitable to defer the payment of such charges or to pay them in installments on the grounds, etc. corresponding to those referred to in subparagraphs 1 and 2.
(2) Where the Minister of Environment defers the payment of charges pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she may ask the person liable to pay such charges to provide security equivalent to the amount deferred.
(3) Where anyone liable to pay charges falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of Environment may revoke the deferment of payment of the charges under paragraph (1) and collect the charges in arrears in a lump sum. In such cases, the Minister of Environment shall notify the person liable to pay the charges of the fact in advance:
1. Where he or she fails to pay the charges in arrears by the specified deadline;
2. Where he or she refuses to comply with a just request of the Minister of Environment to replenish the security, including an exchange of such security;
3. Where the deferment is deemed no longer necessary on the grounds of a favorable change in his or her property situation or other changes in circumstances.
(4) Matters necessary for the deferred period of collection, the frequency of the payments in installments and methods of filing an application for deferring the payments under paragraph (1) and other matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 Article 33 (Purposes of Water Quality Improvement Charges)
Water quality improvement charges collected under Article 31 shall be used only for any of the following purposes: Provided, That the amount granted as collection expenses pursuant to Article 31 (8) shall be used for expenses, etc. incurred in imposing and collecting water quality improvement charges: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
1. Subsidizing expenses for implementing drinking water quality management policies referred to in Article 5 (1);
2. Subsidizing expenses for examining drinking water referred to in Article 5 (2);
2-2. Subsidizing expenses for managing public drinking water facilities referred to in Article 8 (1);
3. Other purposes prescribed by Presidential Decree to preserve public groundwater resources.
 Article 34 Deleted. <Jan. 21, 2014>
 Article 35 Deleted. <Jan. 21, 2014>
CHAPTER V STANDARDS AND INDICATIONS
 Article 36 (Standards and Specifications)
(1) The Minister of Environment may determine and publicly notify the standards for the types, performance, manufacturing methods, storage methods, period of distribution (including details about the extension of such period), post-control, etc. of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers or their containers and the specifications of ingredients thereof. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013>
(2) With respect to drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers, or their containers without standards and specifications referred to in paragraph (1), the Minister of Environment may require the relevant manufacturer to report self-standards and self-specifications, and approve them as the standards and specifications for the relevant product, after inspection by an inspection institution designated under Article 43. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(3) No drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers, or their containers which fail to meet the standards and specifications determined or approved under paragraph (1) or (2) shall be sold, or manufactured, imported, stored, transported or displayed for sale, or be used for any other business purpose. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
 Article 37 (Standards for Indication)
(1) The Minister of Environment shall determine and publicly notify the necessary standards for the indication of containers or packing of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals and water purifiers and for the use of product names. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) No drinking water-related business operator shall sell, or manufacture, import, display or transport for sale, or use for business purposes, drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals or water purifiers without indication meeting the standards for indication under paragraph (1) <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 21, 2008]
 Article 38 (Standards, Specifications, and Indication Standards for Products for Export)
(1) Standards, specifications and indication standards for drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers, or their containers manufactured for export may be based upon the standards, specifications and indication standards required by an importer, notwithstanding Articles 36 (1) and (2) and 37. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) Where any drinking water-related business operator intends to manufacture drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers, or their containers in compliance with the standards, specifications and indication standards required by an importer pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall submit the evidentiary documents, etc. to the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2010]
 Article 39 (Restrictions on Advertisement)
(1) If deemed necessary for the public good, the Minister of Environment may prohibit or restrict the advertisement of drinking spring water, etc., as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; May 26, 2020>
(2) Where any manufacturer or import-sale business operator of drinking spring water, etc. does any prohibited or restricted act under paragraph (1), the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may place restrictions on the import or sale of drinking spring water, etc. or issue an order or take measures necessary for rectification, such as the removal of the relevant advertisement. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
 Article 40 (Prohibition against False or Exaggerated Indications and Advertisements)
(1) No false or exaggerated indication or advertisement of the name, manufacturing method, and quality of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers, and their containers and packaging shall be placed nor shall any indication or advertisement that may cause persons to misunderstand such products as medical and pharmaceutical products be permitted. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) The scope of false or exaggerated indications and advertisements provided for in paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
 Article 40-2 (Prohibition from Using Similar Marks)
No drinking spring water, etc., other than the water purifier, drinking spring water, etc. permitted under this Act, shall be supplied or sold, using a product name, such as "water purifier", "spring water" or "natural water", which could be misunderstood as a water purifier, drinking spring water, etc., or other marks. <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014; Dec. 24, 2018>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010]
[Title Amended on Jan. 21, 2014]
CHAPTER VI INSPECTIONS
 Article 41 (Duty of Quality Self-Inspections)
(1) Any manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers, or their containers shall conduct a self inspection, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment, as to whether his or her products meet the standards and specifications prescribed in Article 36 (1) or (2), and shall keep a record of such inspection. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) Where a Mayor/Do Governor deems that a manufacturer of drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers, or their containers is unfit to conduct a self-inspection provided for in paragraph (1), he or she may entrust the inspection to an institution designated under Article 43. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
 Article 41-2 (Quality Test of Drinking Spring Water Being Distributed)
(1) The Minister of Environment or a Mayor/Do Governor may require his or her subordinate public official to collect and test drinking spring water, etc. being distributed in order to verify whether drinking spring water, etc. meets the quality standards for drinking water under Article 5 and whether it satisfies the standards and specifications under Article 36.
(2) Article 42 (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis to public officials who collect drinking spring water, etc. pursuant to paragraph (1).
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014]
 Article 42 (Visit, Inspections, and Collection)
(1) The Minister of Environment, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may take the following measures, if deemed necessary to investigate environmental impacts caused by the development of spring water, etc., to prevent harm to national health due to drinking water-related business or the installation and management of cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers, and to ascertain whether inspection institutions are properly operated: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013>
1. To order persons who have obtained permission to develop spring water, etc., drinking water-related business operators, persons in charge of installation and management of cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers, inspection institutions designated pursuant to Article 43, or other related persons to submit a necessary report;
2. To require relevant public officials to visit business places, offices, warehouses, factories, places of storage, shops (hereinafter referred to as "places of business"), or other similar places to inspect raw materials, products, containers, packaging facilities, manufacturing facilities, business facilities, cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers used for sale or other business purposes;
3. To collect a minimum amount of raw materials, products, containers, or packaging necessary for inspections under subparagraph 2 without any consideration;
4. To require relevant public officials to pursue business-related books, documents and materials related to the inspection.
(2) Any public official who intends to visit places of business or conduct inspection, collection or perusal under paragraph (1) shall carry a certificate indicating his or her authority and produce it to relevant persons.
 Article 43 (Designation of Inspection Institutions)
(1) The Minister of Environment may designate institutions to inspect raw materials, products, containers, etc. collected pursuant to Article 42 (1) 3 and to examine the quality of drinking water pursuant to Article 5 (2). Where any designated institution (hereinafter referred to as "inspection institution") intends to alter important matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment, it shall file a report on alterations with the Minister of Environment.
(2) The Minister of Environment shall notify a person who has filed a report on alterations under the latter part of paragraph (1) as to whether or not to accept such report, within 20 days from the date of the receipt thereof. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(3) Where the Minister of Environment fails to notify a person who has filed a report as to whether or not to accept it or the extension of the processing period pursuant to the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions, within the period prescribed in paragraph (2), the report on alterations shall be deemed accepted on the following day after the end of such period (referring to the relevant processing period where the processing period under the statutes or regulations related to the processing of civil petitions is extended or re-extended). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 5, 2021>
(4) Inspection institutions shall be classified into institutions to examine the quality of drinking water, institutions to inspect water treatment chemicals, institutions to conduct the quality tests of water purifiers, and institutions to conduct the performance tests of water purifiers. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>
(5) None of the following persons shall be designated as an inspection institution under paragraph (1): <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2008; Feb. 3, 2015; Dec. 24, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. A person who is under adult guardianship or limited guardianship;
2. A person sentenced to imprisonment with labor for a violation of this Act in whose case two years have not elapsed from the date of the termination of execution of such sentence (including where such execution is deemed terminated) or from the date of the exemption from such execution;
3. A person sentenced to suspension of execution of imprisonment with labor for a violation of this Act, who is in the period of suspension of such execution;
4. A person in whose case four years have not elapsed after designation was revoked pursuant to paragraph (8);
5. A corporation or institution, any of whose executives or representatives falls under any of subparagraphs 1 through 4.
(6) Where the Minister of Environment receives an application for designation as an inspection institution or designates an inspection institution pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she may assess its capability to measure and analyze water quality. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Jan. 5, 2021>
(7) Institutions designated to conduct the quality tests of water purifiers pursuant to paragraph (1) may each establish a deliberative committee on the quality of water purifiers in order to ensure the fair quality tests of water purifiers. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Jan. 5, 2021>
(8) In any of the following cases, the Minister of Environment may revoke designation of an inspection institution or take a disposition suspending its business for a specified period of up to six months: Provided, That in the case of subparagraph 1, 1-2, 2 or 3, the Minister of Environment must revoke the designation of the inspection institution: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 21, 2014; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. Where it is designated by fraud or other improper means;
1-2. Where the inspection institution falls under any subparagraph of paragraph (5): Provided, That where a corporation or institution replaces its executive or representative falling under paragraph (5) 1 through 4 with a newly appointed executive or representative within three months, such designation shall not be revoked;
2. Where the inspection institution issues any false written inspection record intentionally or by gross negligence while conducting inspections under this Act or other statutes (limited to statutes stipulating that inspections shall be conducted by inspection institutions designated under Article 43);
3. Where the inspection institution conducts inspections and tests as an agent in the period during which its business is suspended;
4. Where the inspection institution fails to commence inspections and tests as an agent within one year after designation and has no record of conducting inspections and tests for at least one year;
5. Where it fails to file a report on alterations under paragraph (1);
6. Where the inspection institution fails to meet the assessment standards set under paragraph (9) as a result of the assessment conducted under paragraph (6);
7. Where the inspection institution fails to meet the standards for technical human resources and facilities under paragraph (9);
8. Where the inspection institution fails to meet any of the requirements determined under paragraph (12).
(9) The standards for technical human resources and facilities required to be designated as an inspection institution pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (6), filing applications for designation as an inspection institution, the designation of an inspection institution, the assessment standards, and other relevant matters, shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Jan. 5, 2021>
(10) The functions of the institutions charged with the quality tests of water purifiers under paragraph (7) and the organization, members’ terms of office, functions of the deliberative committee on the quality of water purifiers, and other necessary matters, shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Jan. 5, 2021>
(11) Detailed standards for the administrative dispositions taken under paragraph (8) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Jan. 5, 2021>
(12) Inspection institutions shall meet the requirements determined by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment, such as the methods of testing water quality and the recording and keeping of inspection results. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
(13) Technical human resources in charge of inspections shall undergo training conducted by the Minister of Environment, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. In such cases, the Minister of Environment may collect expenses for such training from employers of trainees. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
 Article 44 (Consumer Protection)
Water purifier manufacturers and water purifier import-sale business operator (hereafter referred to as the "manufacturer, etc." in this Article) shall open and operate a consumer protection center as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment in order to protect consumers: Provided, That where any cooperative that is organized by the manufacturers, etc. pursuant to the provisions of Article 32 of the Small and Medium Enterprise Cooperatives Act (hereafter referred to as the "Cooperative" in this Article) sets up and operates a consumer protection center, it shall be deemed that the manufacturers, etc. who are affiliated with the Cooperative have each opened and operates such consumer protection center.
CHAPTER VII GUIDANCE TO AND SUPERVISION OVER OPERATORS
 Article 45 (Guidance and Orders for Improvement)
(1) The Minister of Environment, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may provide necessary guidance or issue necessary orders to drinking water-related business operators or persons in charge of installation and management of cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers, if serious hazard to environmental preservation or national health has occurred or is likely to occur. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013>
(2) Where any manufacturing facilities fail to meet the standards for facilities prescribed in Article 20 or where a drinking water-related business operator or a person in charge of installation and management of cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers violates this Act or an order issued under this Act, the Minister of Environment, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may issue an order to improve the facilities within a specified period or an order to take other necessary measures. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 21, 2014>
 Article 46 (Measures for Closure)
(1) Where a person operates business without permission, registration or reporting in violation of Article 21 (1) through (6) or where a person continues operating his or her business after permission or registration has been revoked or a disposition of business suspension has been issued under Article 48 (1) through (3), the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may require the relevant public official to take the following measures in order to close the relevant place of business: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. Removing and clearing the signboard at the place of business and other business signs;
2. Posting a notice indicating that the place of business is illegal;
3. Sealing the facilities and other business equipment at the place of business to prevent further use.
(2) In any of the following cases after posting a notice or sealing pursuant to paragraph (1) 2 and 3, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may remove the notice or the seal:
1. Where it is deemed unnecessary to continue posting the notice or attaching the seal;
2. Where the person who runs the relevant business or his or her agent promises to close the place of business;
3. Where the relevant person requests that the notice or the seal be removed, upon cause shown.
(3) Where a Mayor/Do Governor intends to take any of the measures prescribed in paragraph (1), he or she shall give prior written notice thereof to the relevant business operator or his or her agent: Provided, That such notice may be omitted in cases of urgency.
(4) Measures prescribed in paragraph (1) shall be taken to the minimal extent necessary to make business unavailable.
(5) A relevant public official who takes the measures pursuant to paragraph (1) shall produce a certificate indicating his or her authority and produce it to relevant persons.
 Article 47 (Measures for Destruction)
(1) A Mayor/Do Governor may require a relevant public official to seize or destroy drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals or water purifiers, and their containers or packaging manufactured or imported in violation of Article 36 (3) or 40 (1), or may order the relevant business operators, etc. to take necessary measures upon specifying disposal methods, etc. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010>
(2) In any of the following cases, a Mayor/Do Governor may require a relevant public official to seize or destroy the relevant product: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. Drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers, or their containers or packaging, etc. manufactured, imported, distributed and sold without permission, registration, or reporting under under Article 21 (1) through (3), (6), (7) or 26;
2. Deleted. <Jan. 21, 2014>
(3) A public official who seizes or destroys the relevant product under paragraph (1) or (2) shall carry a certificate indicating his or her authority and produce it to relevant persons.
(4) Where the Minister of Environment finds that drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals or water purifiers and their containers or packaging have violated Article 36 (3) or 40 (1), he or she may require the relevant Mayor/Do Governor to take necessary measures, such as seizure and destruction. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014>
(5) The Minister of Environment or a Mayor/Do Governor shall order a drinking water-related business operator to recall or destroy the drinking spring water, etc., water treatment chemicals, water purifiers, their containers or packaging, etc. being distributed, if they fail to meet the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree and therefore have caused or are likely to cause harm to public health. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 21, 2014>
(6) Procedures for recall and destruction under paragraph (5) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 21, 2014>
 Article 47-2 (Orders for Publication)
(1) When national health is deemed to be at risk due to a violation of the quality standards for drinking water determined under Article 5 (3) or (5) (limited to drinking spring water, etc.) or Article 36 (3), the Minister of Environment or a Mayor/Do Governor shall order the relevant drinking water-related business operator to publish the fact that he or she has received an order of seizure or destruction, etc. under Article 47 (1) or (5). <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 21, 2014; Dec. 24, 2018>
(2) Matters necessary for publication, such as publication methods under paragraph (1), shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010]
 Article 47-3 (Recall of Drinking Spring Water. etc.)
(1) Where a drinking water-related business operator finds that drinking spring water, etc. violates the quality standards for drinking water determined under Article 5 or the standards and specifications determined under Article 36, he or she shall recall, or take measures necessary to recall, relevant drinking spring water, etc. being distributed, without delay. In such cases, the relevant drinking water-related business operator shall report his or her recall plan in advance to the relevant Mayor/Do Governor.
(2) Matters necessary in relation to recall plans and procedures for recall under paragraph (1) and other matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014]
 Article 48 (Revocation of Permission)
(1) When any of the following applies to a drinking water-related business operator, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may revoke his or her business permission or registration or issue an order to close his or her place of business or to fully or partially suspend his or her business for a specified period of up to six months: Provided, That where subparagraph 4 or 8 applies to him or her, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor must revoke his or her business permission or registration or order the closure of his or her place of business: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 21, 2014; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. When he or she violates any of subparagraphs 1 through 3 of Article 19;
2. Deleted; <Jan. 21, 2014>
3. When he or she fails to meet the standards for facilities determined under Article 20;
4. When he or she obtains permission or permission for alterations provided for in Article 21 (1) or files for registration or registration of alterations or files a report or a report on alterations provided for in paragraphs (2), (3), (6) and (7) of the same Article by fraud or other improper means;
5. When he or she violates the latter part of Article 21 (1), the latter part of paragraph (2) of the same Article, the latter part of paragraph (3) of the same Article, the latter part of paragraph (6) of the same Article, the latter part of paragraph (7) of the same Article, Article 27 (1) or (3), 29 (2), 30, 31 (3), 40 (1) or 41 (1);
6. Where he or she violates the conditions under Article 21 (10);
6-2. When he or she fails to properly install, operate or manage automatic measuring instruments, in violation of Article 22 (1);
7. When he or she fails to submit the results of measurement under Article 22 (2) or submits the false results of measurement;
8. When he or she falls under any of subparagraphs 1 through 3 of Article 24: Provided, That the same shall not apply in any of the following cases:
(a) When a corporation replaces an executive falling under any of subparagraphs 1 through 3 of Article 24 with a new executive within two months from the date on which he or she is found to fall under any of such subparagraphs;
(b) When anyone who succeeds to the status of a business operator pursuant to Article 25 (1) transfers the relevant business within three months from the date on which the succession commences;
8-2. Deleted; <Jan. 21, 2014>
9. When he or she violates any prohibition or restriction provided for in Article 39 (1) or an order or measure issued under Article 39 (2);
10. When he or she interferes with, refuses or evades any reporting, entry, inspection, collection or perusal provided for in Article 42;
11. When he or she fails to meet the quality standards for drinking water determined under Article 5 (3) or violates Article 36 (3) or 37 (2) as a result of an inspection conducted under Article 42 (1);
12. When he or she violates an order issued under Article 45, 47 (1) and (5), or 47-2 (1).
(2) Where a drinking water-related business operator continues to operate his or her business in violation of an order of business suspension issued under paragraph (1), the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may revoke permission for, or registration of, such business or order the closure of his or her place of business. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013>
(3) Where a drinking water-related business operator suspends his or her business operation for at least six consecutive months without any just cause, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may revoke permission for, or registration of, such business or order the closure of his or her place of business.
(4) Detailed standards for the administrative dispositions to be taken under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment in consideration of the kinds, severity, etc. of violations.
 Article 48-2 (Orders to Take Measures, Including Disposition of Business Suspension)
(1) Where the Minister of Environment finds that any subparagraph of Article 48 (1) applies to a drinking water-related business, he or she may require the relevant Mayor/Do Governor to take necessary measures, such as a disposition of business suspension.
(2) Upon receipt of a request under paragraph (1), the Mayor/Do Governor shall comply with such request, except in extenuating circumstances.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014]
 Article 49 (Succession to Effects of Administrative Dispositions)
Where a drinking water-related business operator transfers his or her business to another person or where corporations merge, the effect of an administrative disposition taken against the previous drinking water-related business operator for violating any subparagraph of Article 48 (1) or (2) shall be succeeded to by the transferee or the corporation surviving such merger for one year after the completion of the disposition period and where the procedures of any administrative disposition are underway, the procedures for the administrative disposition may proceed with the transferee or the corporation surviving such merger: Provided, That the same shall not apply where the transferee or the corporation surviving such merger proves that he or she was unaware of the relevant disposition or offense at the time the relevant transfer or merger.
 Article 50 (Hearings)
The Minister of Environment or a Mayor/Do Governor shall hold a hearing where he or she intends to take any of the following dispositions: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. Revocation of permission to develop spring water, etc. granted under Article 12-2;
2. Revocation of registration filed under Article 17 (1) or revocation of designation granted under Article 43 (8);
3. Deleted; <Jan. 21, 2014>
3-2. Revocation of designation as an inspection institution under Article 43 (8);
4. Revocation of business permission or registration or the closure of a place of business, under Article 48 (1) through (3).
 Article 51 (Imposition of Penalty Surcharges)
(1) Where an inspection institution falls under Article 43 (8) or a drinking water-related business operator falls under Article 48 (1), the Minister of Environment or the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may order business suspension or impose a penalty surcharge not exceeding 200 million won, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, in lieu of the business suspension. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 5, 2021>
(2) The amount of a penalty surcharge depending on the type, severity, etc. of the violation for which the penalty surcharge is imposed under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) Where a person liable to pay a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) fails to pay it by the specified deadline, such penalty surcharge shall be collected in the same manner as delinquent national taxes are collected or in accordance with the Act on the Collection of Local Administrative Penalty Charges. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Aug. 6, 2013; Mar. 24, 2020>
 Article 51-2 (Publication of Violations)
Where the Minister of Environment or a Mayor/Do Governor has taken an administrative disposition under Article 46, 47, 48 or 51, he or she shall publish information on the disposition, including the details of the disposition taken against the drinking water-related business operator, the relevant business operator's name and product name, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 22, 2010]
CHAPTER VIII SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
 Article 52 (Subsidies from National Treasury)
The Minister of Environment may, fully or partially, subsidize the following expenses within budgetary limits: <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. Expenses incurred in employing the quality supervisors of drinking water under Article 7 (1);
1-2. Expenses incurred in improving public drinking water facilities under Article 8 (1);
2. Expenses incurred in inspections by the relevant inspection institute as prescribed in Article 26 (4) or inspections or testing by the institutions charged with inspection and testing designated under Article 43;
3. Expenses incurred in collection under Article 42 (1);
4. Expenses incurred in destruction under Article 47.
 Article 53 (Relationship to Other Statutes)
Where any person who has obtained permission to develop and utilize groundwater or has filed a report thereon under Articles 7 and 8 of the Groundwater Act must obtain permission to develop spring water under Article 9 due to a change of usage of groundwater or an increase of capability of water intake, he or she shall be considered to have obtained temporary permission for the development of spring water when he or she files, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, an application for temporary permission for the development of spring water to the Mayor/Do Governor under Article 10. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>
 Article 54 (Request for Data)
(1) Where necessary to efficiently operate a drinking water control system, the Minister of Environment may request the relevant central administrative agencies, local governments, or other public organizations to submit necessary data.
(2) Any person in receipt of a request to submit data under paragraph (1) shall comply with such request unless justifiable grounds exist to the contrary, and may submit the data through a computer network if such network is available. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013>
 Article 55 (Delegation and Entrustment)
(1) The Minister of Environment may partially delegate his or her authority vested under this Act to the head of a regional environmental office, the President of the National Institute of Environmental Research, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) The duties of the Minister of Environment under this Act and duties prescribed in Article 26 (4) may be partially entrusted to an association or a relevant specialized agency, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014; Jan. 5, 2021>
(3) The executive officers and employees of the relevant association or specialized agency who engage in the duties entrusted under paragraph (2) shall be deemed public officials for the purposes of Articles 129 through 132 of the Criminal Act. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 21, 2014>
 Article 56 (Fees)
Any person who intends to obtain any of the following permission, etc. shall pay fees prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Environment: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. Permission to develop spring water, etc. or altered permission under Article 9 or permission for an extension under Article 12 (2);
2. Registration of an environmental impact survey agent or altered registration under Article 15;
3. Permission for manufacturing business of drinking spring water, etc. or altered permission under Article 21 (1);
4. Registration of manufacturing business of water treatment chemicals or altered registration under Article 21 (2);
5. Registration of import-sale business of drinking spring water, etc. or altered registration under Article 21 (3);
5-2. A report on distribution-sale business of drinking spring water, etc. or a report on alterations under Article 21 (6);
6. A report on manufacturing business or import-sale business of water purifiers or a report on alterations under Article 21 (7);
7. An inspection to be conducted under Articles 21 (7), 36 (2) and 41 (2).
CHAPTER IX PENALTY PROVISIONS
 Article 57 (Penalty Provisions)
Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than five years, or by a fine not exceeding million won. In such cases, imprisonment with labor and a fine may be imposed concurrently: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Jan. 21, 2014>
1. A person who violates subparagraph 1 or 2 of Article 19;
2. A person who manufactures drinking spring water, etc. without obtaining permission or altered permission under Article 21 (1) or who obtains permission or altered permission by fraud or other improper means;
3. Deleted; <Jan. 21, 2014>
4. Deleted. <Jan. 21, 2014>
 Article 58 (Penalty Provisions)
Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than three years, or by a fine not exceeding thirty million won. In such cases, imprisonment with labor and a fine may be imposed concurrently: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010; Jun. 1, 2012; Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 21, 2014; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. A person who violates Article 8 (2);
1-2. A person who violates Article 8-5;
2. A person who violates subparagraph 3 of Article 19;
3. A person who manufactures water treatment chemicals without obtaining registration under Article 21 (2) or who obtains such registration by fraud or other improper means;
4. A person who imports and sells drinking spring water, etc. without obtaining registration under Article 21 (3) or who obtains registration by fraud or other improper means;
4-2. A person who distributes and sells drinking spring water, etc. without filing a report under Article 21 (6) or who files a report by fraud or other improper means;
5. A person who manufactures, or imports and sells, water purifiers without filing a report referred to in Article 21 (7) or files a report by fraud or other improper means;
6. A person who imports drinking spring water, etc. or its containers without filing a report under Article 26 (1) or by filing a false report;
7. A person who sells drinking spring water, etc. or its containers or manufactures, imports, stores, transports, or displays them for sale, or uses them for other business purposes, in violation of Article 36 (3);
7-2. A person who obtains designation as an inspection institution under Article 43 (1) by fraud or other improper means;
7-3. A person who issues a false inspection result intentionally while conducting an inspection under this Act or other statutes at an inspection institution designated under Article 43 (1);
7-4. A person who conducts an inspection in the period during which his or her business is suspended under Article 43 (8);
8. A person who fails to comply with an order issued under Article 45 (1), 47 (1) and (4), or 47-2 (1);
9. A person who manufactures, or import and sells, drinking spring water, etc., in violation of an order of business suspension issued under Article 48 (1).
 Article 59 (Penalty Provisions)
Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than one year, or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2008; Mar. 22, 2010; Jun. 1, 2012; Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 21, 2014; Dec. 24, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. A person who develops spring water, etc. without obtaining permission or altered permission under Article 9 or develops it upon obtaining permission or altered permission by fraud or other improper means;
2. A person who fails to meet any of the conditions imposed under Article 11 (2) or 21 (10);
3. A person who prepares a false survey document under Article 13 (1);
3-2. A person who prepares a survey document reproducing other survey document without permission, in violation of Article 14-2 (2) 1;
3-3. A person who prepares a false survey document, in violation of Article 14-2 (2) 2;
3-4. A person who lends his or her certificate of registration or name, or subcontracts his or her business, in a turnkey basis, to any third person in violation of Article 14-2 (2) 3;
4. A person who conducts environmental impact surveys as an agent without obtaining registration as a survey agent under Article 15;
5. A person who manufactures water treatment chemicals without obtaining altered registration under Article 21 (2);
6. A person who imports and sells drinking spring water, etc. without obtaining altered registration pursuant to Article 21 (3);
6-2. A person who distributes and sells drinking spring water, etc. without filing a report on alterations under Article 21 (6);
7. A person who manufactures, or imports and sells, water purifiers without filing a report on alterations under Article 21 (7);
8. A person who imports any water treatment chemical or its container without filing a report under Article 26 (1) or upon filing a false report thereon;
9. A person who violates Article 27 (1) or (3), or 40 (1);
10. A person that violates Article 27 (2);
10-2. A person who fails to install measuring instruments under Article 31 (3) or a person who fails to submit measurement results or submits false measurement results;
11. A person who sells water treatment chemicals or their containers, or manufactures, imports, stores, transports or displays them for sale, or uses them for other business purposes, in violation of Article 36 (3);
12. A person who sells water purifiers or manufactures, imports, stores, transports, or displays them for sale, or uses them for other business purposes, in violation of Article 36 (3);
13. A person who violates prohibitions against or restrictions on advertisements under Article 39 (1);
14. A person who fails to perform an order prescribed in Article 39 (2);
14-2. A person who supplies or sells drinking spring water, etc., using a product name, such as "water purifier", "spring water" or "natural water", which could be misunderstood as a water purifier, drinking spring water, etc., or other marks, in violation of Article 40-2;
15. A person falling under Article 41 (1) who fails to conduct a quality self-inspection;
16. A person who refuses, interferes with, or evades a visit, inspection, or collection referred to in Article 42;
16-2. A person who issues a false inspection result by gross negligence while conducting an inspection under this Act or other statutes at an inspection institution designated under Article 43 (1);
17. A person who refuses, interferes with or evades the closure, seizure or destruction under Article 46 or 47 (2);
18. A person who manufactures water treatment chemicals business, in violation of an order for suspension of business issued under Article 48 (1);
18-2. A person who distributes and sells drinking spring water, etc., in violation of an order for suspension of business issued under Article 48 (1);
19. A person who manufactures, or imports and sells, water purifiers, in violation of an order for suspension of business issued under Article 48 (1).
 Article 60 (Joint Penalty Provisions)
If the representative of a corporation, or an agent, employee or any other person employed by a corporation or individual commits a violation under Articles 57 through 59 in connection with the business of the corporation or individual, not only shall such violator be punished, but the corporation or individual also shall be punished, by a fine under the respective provisions: Provided, That the same shall not apply where such corporation or individual has not been negligent in giving due attention and supervision concerning the relevant duties to prevent such violation.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 1, 2012]
 Article 61 (Administrative Fines)
(1) Any of the following persons shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding three million won: <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014>
1. A person who prepares an incomplete survey document, in violation of Article 14-2 (2) 2;
2. A person who fails to open or operate the consumer protection center under Article 44.
(2) Any of the following persons shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding one million won: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2010; Mar. 22, 2013; Jan. 21, 2014; Jan. 5, 2021>
1. A person who fails to file a report or report on alterations under Article 8-2 (1) or 10 (3) or who files such report by fraud or other improper means;
2. A person who installs or manages a cold and hot water dispenser or water purifier, in violation of Article 8-2 (4) or (5);
2-2. A person who fails to preserve a survey document and data, based on which the survey document is prepared, in violation of Article 14-2 (1);
3. A person who fails to file a report under Article 21 (11) or who alters any permitted, registered or reported matters by filing a false report;
4. A person who fails to file a report, in violation of Article 25 (3) or who files a false report;
5. A person who violates Article 28 (1) or 29 (1);
6. A person who fails to keep a record under Article 41 (1) or who files a false record;
7. A person who fails to files a report under Article 42 (1) or who makes a false representation in such report;
8. A person who fails to meet the requirements under Article 43 (12);
9. A person who fails to undergo training conducted under Article 43 (13) without just causes;
10. A person who fails to perform an order prescribed in Article 45 (2).
(3) Administrative fines prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Environment, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013>
(4) Deleted. <Mar. 22, 2010>
(5) Deleted. <Mar. 22, 2010>
(6) Deleted. <Mar. 22, 2010>
ADDENDA <Act No. 8368, Apr. 11, 2007>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Validity Period)
The amended provisions of Article 6 shall be valid until October 4, 2007.
Article 3 (Transitional Measures on Registration, Report, etc. of Manufacturing Businesses of Water Treatment Chemicals)
The person who has made registration, report, altered registration, or altered report of a manufacturing business of water treatment chemicals pursuant to Article 14-2 of the Public Health Act on May 1, 1995 when the Management of Drinking Water Act, Act No. 4908, entered into force shall be deemed as having made such registration, report, altered registration or altered report of a manufacturing business of water treatment chemicals pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 21 (2) or (6).
Article 4 (Transitional Measures on Environmental Impact Survey Agent)
The person who has been designated as environmental impact survey agent or who has been revoked designation of environmental impact survey agent pursuant to the previous provisions on February 8, 1999 when the amendment to the Management of Drinking Water Act, Act No. 5873, entered into force shall be deemed as an environmental impact survey agent registered pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 15 or as an environmental impact survey agent whose registration has been revoked pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 17.
Article 5 (Applicability to Mark Verifying Charges)
The amended provisions of Articles 19 and 34 shall apply beginning with the first drinking spring water that is manufactured after July 8, 2000 on which the amendment to the Management of Drinking Water Act, Act No. 6103, entered into force.
Article 6 (Applicability to Imposition of Water Quality Improvement Charges)
The amended provisions of Article 31 (1) shall apply beginning with the first portion that is sold by drinking spring water manufacturers, drinking spring water import-sale business operators and the persons who have been permitted to develop spring water pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 9 after June 30, 2006 on which the amendment to the Management of Drinking Water Act, Act No. 7780, entered into force.
Article 7 (Transitional Measures on Designation of Institutions Charged with Inspection and Testing)
The persons designated as institutions charged with inspection and testing of drinking water and water treatment chemicals, and persons designated as institutions charged with quality testing of water purifiers pursuant to the previous Article 35 on June 30, 2006 when the amendment to the Management of Drinking Water Act, Act No. 7780, entered into force shall be respectively deemed as having been designated as the institutions charged with inspection and testing of drinking water quality and water treatment chemicals and as the institutions charged with quality testing of water purifiers pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 43.
Article 8 (General Transitional Measures on Disposition, etc.)
Acts by administrative agencies or acts with regard to administrative agencies pursuant to the previous provisions at the time when this Act enters into force shall be deemed as acts by administrative agencies or acts with regard to administrative agencies pursuant to this Act corresponding thereto.
Article 9 (Transitional Measures on Penalty Provisions or Administrative Fines)
The application of penalty provisions and of administrative fines to an act performed before this Act enters into force shall be pursuant to the previous provisions.
Article 10 Omitted.
Article 11 (Relationship with Other Statutes or Regulations)
Where the previous Management of Drinking Water Act or provisions thereof are cited in other statutes or regulations at the time when this Act enters into force, this Act or the corresponding provisions in this Act, if any, shall be deemed to have been cited in lieu of the previous provisions.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8629, Aug. 3, 2007>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8952, Mar. 21, 2008>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 4 shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Imposition of Charges for Water Quality Improvement)
The amended provisions of Article 31 shall apply starting from spring water firstly drawn by persons who have obtained permission to develop spring water or drinking spring water manufacturers, and drinking spring water firstly imported by drinking spring water import-sale business operators after this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Transitional Measure concerning Penalty Provisions)
The previous provisions shall apply to the penalty provisions on conducts before this Act enters into force.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10154, Mar. 22, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures on Reports on Installation and Management of Cold and Hot Water Dispensers)
A person who has been in charge of installation and management of cold and hot water dispensers as at the time this Act enters into force shall file a report to the head of the relevant Si/Gun/Gu under the amended provisions of Article 8-2 within six months after this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Transitional Measures Following Change of Administrative Agencies with Which Environmental Impact Survey Agents Shall File for Registration)
A person who has filed for registration with the Minister of Environment as an environmental impact survey agent under the former provisions as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed filed for registration with the head of the relevant Si/Gun/Gu under the amended provisions of Article 15.
Article 4 (Transitional Measures Following Change of Administrative Agencies to Which Import Shall Be Reported)
A person who has reported the import of drinking spring water, water treatment chemicals or their containers to the Minister of Environment under the previous provisions as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed reported thereon to the head of the relevant Si/Gun/Gu under the amended provisions of Article 26.
Article 5 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10219, Mar. 31, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2011.
Articles 2 through 12 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10893, Jul. 21, 2011>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 11463, Jun. 1, 2012>
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Articles 59 and 60 shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation, while a portion concerning a Special Self-Governing City and a Special Self-Governing City Mayor shall enter into force on July 1, 2012.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11663, Mar. 22, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of subparagraph 7 of Article 3 and Articles 47 (2) 1, 47-2 (1) and 61 (3) shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Reporting on Installation and Management of Water Purifiers)
A person who has installed and managed water purifiers as at the time this Act enters into force shall file a report with the head of a Si/Gun/Gu on where and how many water purifiers are installed and other information within six months after this Act enters into force, pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 8-2 (1).
Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Administrative Dispositions, Including Revocation of Permission)
The former provisions shall apply to administrative dispositions, such as revocation of permission, for violations committed before this Act enters into force.
Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Penalty Surcharges)
The former provisions shall apply to penalty surcharges for violations committed before this Act enters into force.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11998, Aug. 6, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 and 3 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 12318, Jan. 21, 2014>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 47-2 (1) shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Administrative Dispositions, Including Revocation of Permission)
The former provisions shall apply to administrative dispositions, such as revocation of permission, for violations committed before this Act enters into force.
ADDENDA <Act No. 13164, Feb. 3, 2015>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Disqualification for Incompetent Persons, etc.)
A person for whom the adjudication of incompetence or quasi-incompetence remains in effect under Article 2 of the Addenda to the partially amended Civil Act (Act No. 10429) shall be deemed included among incompetent persons under the adult guardianship and quasi-incompetent persons under the limited guardianship under the amended provisions of subparagraph 1 of Article 16, subparagraph 1 of Article 24, and Article 43 (3) 1.
ADDENDA <Act No. 13601, Dec. 22, 2015>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 though 9 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14474, Dec. 27, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 14 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14476, Dec. 27, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14532, Jan. 17, 2017>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amendments to the Acts, which were promulgated before this Act enters into force but the enforcement dates of which have yet to arrive, from among the Acts amended under Article 6 of the Addenda, shall enter into force on their respective enforcement dates.
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15652, Jun. 12, 2018>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 16079, Dec. 24, 2018>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Designation of Inspection Institutions)
The amended provisions of Article 43 (3) 4 shall begin to apply to the first case where designation is revoked after this Act enters into force.
ADDENDA <Act No. 17091, Mar. 24, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 17326, May 26, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
ADDENDA <Act No. 17840, Jan. 5, 2021>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of subparagraph 5 of Article 16 shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation, and the amended provisions of subparagraph 10 of Article 31 shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Reports on Installation of Cold and Hot Water Dispensers or Water Purifiers)
The amended provisions of Articles 8-2 (2) and (3), 9 (3) and (4), 10 (4) and (5), 21 (8) and (9), 26 (2) and (3), 43 (2) and (3) shall begin to apply to the first report on the installation of cold and hot water dispensers or water purifiers or on alterations thereto, the first report on alterations to the development of spring water, etc., the first report on alterations to temporary permission for the development of spring water, etc., the first report on distribution-sale business of drinking spring water, etc. or on alterations thereto, the first report on manufacturing business or import-sale business of water purifiers or on alterations thereto, the first import report on drinking spring water, etc. and water treatment chemicals, etc. or the first report on alterations to an inspection institute, after this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Applicability to Registration of Import-Sale Business of Drinking Spring Water)
The amended provisions of Article 21 (4) and (5) shall begin to apply to the first application for registration or registration of alterations to import-sale business of drinking spring water, etc. filed after this Act enters into force.