Gyeongju City Changes Water Rationing in Apartments
Water Rationing from 6 to 9 AM and 6 to 9 PM
Due to the severe drought in Gangneung, which led to the declaration of a disaster situation, a rainfall of 90mm helped boost the water storage rate in the region’s main water source, Obong Reservoir, to around 15%. By the morning of the 14th, the rate had risen to 15.6%, a notable increase from the record low of 11.5% recorded on the afternoon of the 12th. Although the Korea Meteorological Administration initially forecasted a maximum of 60mm of rainfall for the Gangneung area, 90mm actually fell between the 12th and 9 AM on the 13th. Specific regions such as Dakmokjae received 90mm, Gangneung Doma 84.5mm, and Gangneung Wangsang 82mm of rainfall.
Experts predict that as time goes on and more water flows from mountainous areas into the reservoir, the water storage rate could reach 25-30%. Despite the rainfall, the immediate easing of the drought isn’t expected. However, another bout of rainfall is forecasted for the late night of the 16th into the night of the 17th, raising residents’ hopes.
On a related note, Gangneung City held an emergency meeting on the 13th and decided to standardize the restricted water supply times for apartments with water tanks over 100 tons to twice a day, from 6 to 9 AM and 6 to 9 PM. This measure was implemented to resolve confusion caused by varying water rationing times among different apartments. Kim Hong-kyu, the Mayor of Gangneung, mentioned that they shifted to this consistent water rationing schedule after discussions with apartment managers on the afternoon of the 13th. He also stated that they would continue to gather feedback and make improvements to minimize inconvenience for citizens amid the unprecedented drought conditions.