This research emphasizes the necessity of the understanding and cooperation among focal governments to preserve the water quality of the Nak-dong river that runs through four local governments. First, this research considers the status of water-pollution in the Nakdong river, describes and finds problems within the central government's. "Clean Water Supply Plan" and local governments' water quality-related policies. Second, it deals with the conflict among local governments concerning the planning and building of "Wicheon Industrial Complex" in the middle-upstream of the Nakdong river which has triggered the opposition movement of the local governments and residents of the river's downstream area. With stressing the necessity of the understanding and cooperation among local governments, this research emphasizes roles of central government, of academic experts, and of local news-media in preserving the water quality. Key words : the Nakdong river, water quality policy, the conflict among local governments, the activation of local autonomy, Wicheon Industrial Complex, the cooperation among local governments.
