North Korea’s Ministry of Defense has launched drinking-water quality tests ahead of the Korean People’s Army’s regular summer exercises set to start in July, citing concerns over soldiers’ health.
A Pyongyang source told Daily NK recently that the ministry has instructed the Rear Operations Command to conduct water tests throughout June in garrison areas of Pyongyang, Nampo, North Hwanghae and South Hamgyong provinces to prevent waterborne health issues among troops.
“These tests aren’t an annual routine before summer drills,” the source explained. “They were fast-tracked after dozens of cases of diarrhea and stomach complaints among troops were reported in May.”
Earlier this year, soldiers stationed in those four regions were repeatedly hospitalized, with medical exams identifying contaminated water as the main culprit.
Recognizing the severity of the problem, the defense ministry used this opportunity to order a comprehensive investigation and overhaul of the water supply system, the source added.
“The Rear Operations Command plans to survey every unit stationed on limestone terrain or still drawing untreated river or well water, then implement a complete ‘water-supply system transformation,'” the source said.
Water testing is already underway at the Army Communications Bureau headquarters, the 3rd Corps, the 8·15 Training Center and the 7th Corps. Hygiene officers from the Rear Operations Command are working alongside civilian water-quality experts and laboratory technicians.
Leaving no stone unturned
They’re visiting each garrison, collecting samples from kitchens, water pumps and storage tanks for bacterial tests, pH readings and chlorine-disinfection verification.
Under the command’s supervision, each unit’s hygiene officers now measure chlorine levels and conduct basic disinfection at least twice daily.
Based on final results, the Rear Operations Command will decide on measures such as reallocating water trucks, replacing tanks or installing water purification equipment.
“Inside the camps, troops are saying the Rear Command finally woke up,” the source reported. “Until now, they’d been told to boil dirty water themselves—no real solution. Now experts are on site, explaining test findings to soldiers and raising awareness.”
During the inspection period, the command is also retraining hygiene and health workers while searching for reliable well sources. “Troops are relieved they can finally drink with peace of mind,” the source noted.
Translated by Kyungmin Kim.
