Gangneung Under Water Restrictions as Drought Intensifies
Gangneung, a coastal city in Gangwon Province, is grappling with a worsening drought that has triggered strict water restrictions and daily hardships for residents.
1. Water Rationing Begins
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Limited household supply: Since August 20, the city has imposed a 50% restriction on water flow to over 53,000 households by partially shutting off water meters.
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Escalation thresholds: Should water levels in the Obong Reservoir drop below 15%, further restrictions could include up to 75% cutoff of household supply and a halt to agricultural water distribution.
2. Scope of the Crisis
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Reservoir alarmingly low: The main water source, Obong Reservoir, is currently at about 18–22%, sharply down from its seasonal average of 68–69%.
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Prolonged scarcity: In the past six months, Gangneung received just 51.5% of its typical rainfall, severely reducing inflow to critical reserves.
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3. Impacts on Daily Life
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Extreme conservation measures: Residents now rely on disposable tableware, avoid doing laundry, and reuse rinse water for flushing toilets. One resident noted they had accumulated two weeks of laundry due to water limitations.
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Public services strained: Three public pools remain closed since mid-July, and showers at beaches either offer seawater or weak freshwater flow. Such disruptions are prompting warnings and restrictions across public facilities.
4. Response Efforts Underway
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Exploring alternate sources: The Ministry of Environment has initiated plans to release water from Doam Dam, though concerns about potential stream pollution have delayed action.
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Political engagement: Leading lawmakers, including Democratic Party chair Chung Chung-rae, toured affected areas like Obong Reservoir and Gangneung Central Market to understand the crisis firsthand and push for emergency and structural interventions.
5. Summary Table
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Water Cuts | 50% of household water supply restricted (Aug 20 onward) |
| Reservoir Level | Obong Reservoir at ~18–22%, much lower than historical norms |
| Daily Impact | Closed pools, limited showers, extreme rationing by residents |
| Next Steps | Potential 75% rationing, agricultural cutoffs, emergency sourcing |
| Official Action | Dam release plans under review; lawmakers advocating measures |
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| image-Yonhap News |
Conclusion
Gangneung is enduring a severe drought that has pushed water resources to critical lows (well under 25%), prompting wide-ranging restrictions and significant lifestyle disruptions. The city is responding with short-term rationing and discussions about emergency external supply, while authorities and residents await rain or broader policy actions to alleviate the crisis.
