A disaster situation was declared in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, which is experiencing a 'severe drought,' on the 30th of last month. As of the 1st, tap water is available to the general households, but the quantity of water has decreased. Some citizens are storing water in advance in preparation for water shortages. Agriculture and the tourism industry have also been affected by the severe drought.
◇"Rice will die in ten days." "Washing and cooking are still possible."
Starting from the 20th of last month, Gangneung City entered a limited water supply state by restricting water meters by 50%. Beginning the day before, it was decided to restrict them by up to 75%. They said they would only provide a quarter of the normal capacity of the water supply that is usually supplied to households. This was because the water level of the Obong Reservoir supplying living water to Gangneung had fallen below 15%, which has been considered the minimum threshold for supplying drinking water.
Kim Bong-rae, head of the Gangneung Farmers' Association, said, "Water supply for agricultural use has been completely stopped at Obong Reservoir since four days ago. Farmers are unable to speak out and are suffering in silence," adding, "There are almost no vegetables left to survive, and the rice could die in ten days."
The tourism industry in Gangneung has also been affected. Due to water shortages, the Shilla Monogram Hotel Gangneung, operated by Hotel Shilla, has completely suspended its pool and sauna operations. The SkyBay Hotel has ceased the use of the sauna hot water. Lakai Sandpine Resort has suspended the operation of its hot and cold baths in the sauna, and Suncruise Hotel & Resort will temporarily not operate its swimming pool. Cmark Hotel has temporarily restricted the use of the hot bath, outdoor bath, and jacuzzi in the outdoor pool. The St. John's Hotel has also suspended the operation of its ocean infinity pool. Despite many people visiting Gangneung as a summer resort during the late heat, major hotels and resorts are in a situation where it is difficult to operate normally.
◇"The 75% meter restriction is voluntary... We are asking for cooperation from each household."
The supply of living water is still ongoing. An individual named Lee (61), living near Anmok Beach, said, "Right now, if you turn on the faucet, the water still comes out," and added, "I'm storing water in advance because I don't know when there will be a water cut." An elderly person at a senior community center said, "It may be difficult for farmers, but while the tap water flows at a trickle, it is coming through. There are no significant inconveniences," and noted, "I can still do my laundry and cooking."
While Gangneung City is implementing water-saving measures, they have left the part about conserving living water up to individual discretion. The 'meter restriction' is carried out by village heads visiting individual households to open the water meter box and turn off the meter valve. Each household can turn it back on again.
A resident of Gangneung said, "The 75% meter lockdown is basically voluntary," and added, "There's no way to check if other households are complying." A city official said, "We are asking for cooperation from individual households."
Gangneung City plans to supply tap water on an hourly or alternate day basis if the water level of the Obong Reservoir falls below 10%, and to distribute bottled water to all citizens.
In the meantime, there are criticisms that Gangneung City's response to the drought has been insufficient. President Lee Jae-myung stated during a visit to Obong Reservoir on the 30th of last month, "A state of emergency could arise in a situation where there are really no measures," and said, "It seems there is no plan."
In response, Mayor Kim Hong-kyu said, "I firmly believe it will rain in September." Then President Lee remarked, "You shouldn't just rely on God. We can't leave human lives up to chance." An article relaying this conversation received a comment stating, "The drought in Gangneung seems to be a man-made disaster."