The Law on Water Resources was adopted in the country in June Juche 86 (1997).

Under the plan of grand nature-remaking project of the Workers' Party of Korea, the Kaechon-Lake Thaesong Waterway was completed in 2002, as the first gravity-fed irrigation system in the country.

Over nearly 10 years since then, the government has built many nature-driven waterways, extending some 10 000km, across the country.

A Nampho-Pyongyang seawater pipeline was laid last year, paving a way to disinfect drinking water with seawater.

Meanwhile, a nationwide drive has been conducted to prevent water pollution and provide inhabitants with clean water and better environment.

Water change is carried on in every spring and autumn to prevent rivers and streams from being polluted. Last year saw improvement projects of the Hapjang and Pothong rivers, which helped better the natural environment in Pyongyang City.

Sewage treatment plants have been updated steadily.

The country pays attention to river improvement and tree planting as part of the work for conserving water.

On the occasion of World Water Day (March 22), the government launches a campaign to awaken its people to the importance of conservation and management of water resources.

The DPRK joined Global Water Partnership in September 2003 with an aim to strengthen international cooperation in the management and conservation of water resources.