Naju-si Holds 'Comprehensive Drought Countermeasure Meeting'... Discusses Water Supply

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yuk-bong] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Yoon Byung-tae) announced on the 10th that on the 9th, a "Comprehensive Drought Countermeasure Report Meeting" was held in the small conference room of the city hall, presided over by Mayor Yoon Byung-tae, to discuss water supply measures by sector such as daily life and agriculture according to weather forecasts and reservoir levels.

Earlier, since August, the city has been establishing drought countermeasures by water use sector, promoting major facility inspections and repairs such as a water-saving campaign for household water in cooperation with Korea Water Resources Corporation and leak detection and repair (43 cases).

An emergency water supply vehicle operation plan and a bottled water (3,000 bottles per day) purchase and support system have also been pre-established to prepare for the worst drought situation.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Naju City, Korea Rural Community Corporation, and Korea Water Resources Corporation, the rainfall in the Naju area this year is 786mm as of the 9th, which is only 60% of the average (1,302mm), raising concerns about drought damage.

As a result, the water storage rate of agricultural water reservoirs (220 locations) was 47.6%, a 12% decrease compared to the average of 59.6%, and Najuho Reservoir was at 35.9%, below the average of 52.8%.

Juwam Dam, the source of industrial and domestic water, also has a low storage rate and has maintained the "severe" management standard since August 30. The dam's storage rate is 32.2%, a 17.8% decrease compared to last year's 55%.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that rainfall in the southern region will be similar to or less than average until January next year, indicating that meteorological drought is expected to continue somewhat.

The city completed a total of 20 water development projects this year, including 13 wells, 6 simple pumping stations, and 1 reservoir, in preparation for drought.

Starting February next year, the city plans to begin developing pumping stations by installing submersible pumps and laying pipelines at three sites?Songjeongje, Oksandeul, and Hoeryongje (benefiting an area of 57 hectares)?and to develop wells in water shortage concern areas for farming such as Donggang Gokcheon, Dado Deokrim, Seji Jukdong, and Jinpodong (benefiting 10 hectares).

The Agricultural Technology Center has formed a drought countermeasure team to assess drought conditions by measuring soil moisture in cultivation plots and to inspect and maintain irrigation facilities and drought equipment.

Along with pre-guidance activities for farmers to prepare for drought, thorough measures are being taken to establish emergency water supply and water securing plans for drought-prone areas.

For companies located in industrial and agricultural complexes that consume large amounts of tap water, the city plans to encourage water-saving promotion and prepare water supply adjustment measures following the development of alternative water sources (wells).

The city, together with Korea Water Resources Corporation, is requesting continuous cooperation in water saving from major water users through autonomous water-saving promotions using available media such as the city hall website, SNS, and press releases.

Mayor Yoon Byung-tae said, "Although rainfall is forecasted for this weekend, preparation is the principle for disasters including drought," and added, "I hope that through close cooperation with Korea Rural Community Corporation and Korea Water Resources Corporation, all efforts will be made to minimize drought damage to citizens' daily lives and agriculture."

He continued, "While developing wells is important, it is a priority to inspect the condition of existing wells to increase their utilization," and added, "Overcoming drought requires saving as the top priority, and I hope that large water users such as industrial complex companies, hospitals, and shopping districts will actively participate in water-saving practices."

Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yuk-bong baekok@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.