"Sorry for Washing My Blanket... I Should Drink Less Water" Extreme Challenges Emerge Amid Worst Drought

Plastic Covers for Meal Trays... Measures Taken in Gangneung Amid Worst Drought
"Steps to Minimize Water Used for Washing"

Gangneung City in Gangwon Province, which is suffering from a severe water shortage, is struggling to conserve water.

Gangneung is experiencing the worst drought in its history, with the water level at Obong Reservoir dropping below 15%. On August 30, the city became the first in the country to declare a disaster situation due to drought. In response, a pan-governmental response system has been activated.

Disposable plastic covers for meal trays are being used in social welfare facilities in the Gangneung area to overcome drought conditions. Gangneung City

According to the city, from 9 a.m. on September 6, water supply restrictions have been implemented for large water consumers in the Hongje Water Purification Plant supply area. These large consumers include 124 locations such as city hall, apartment complexes, and large accommodations, each equipped with water tanks of at least 100 tons. As a result, the city is encouraging water conservation by shutting off the water supply valves in these buildings.

Additionally, the city has decided to use disposable plastic covers for meal trays at social welfare facilities in the area. Sixty-five facilities, including Gangneung Municipal Welfare Center and Gangneung General Social Welfare Center, are participating. This measure is intended to minimize water usage required for washing trays and to reduce the amount of water consumed during the large-scale daily washing process.

On the 7th, amid the worst drought continuing in the Gangneung area of Gangwon Province, a banner cheering the firefighters and others supporting water transport was hung at the entrance of Hongje Water Purification Plant, which supplies domestic water to 180,000 Gangneung citizens. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

"Sorry for Washing My Blanket"... 'Extreme Drought' Leaves Citizens Feeling Guilty

As the severe water shortage continues, posts asking for understanding from neighbors about daily activities are appearing in local online communities. On August 30, a post titled "I Washed My Blanket. I'm Sorry" was uploaded to a Gangneung mothers' community. The author wrote, "My younger daughter wet the bed last night, so I used the precious water that everyone has been saving to wash the blanket," and added, "I already feel guilty just washing the dishes, but to wash a blanket..." The post concluded with, "I think I should try to drink less water today."

Members of the community responded with empathy, saying, "It's so sad that this is something to be sorry for," "I also put off doing laundry, but yesterday I had to wash my child's underwear because there was none left," and "Let's all save even a single drop of water and overcome this together as soon as possible." One member shared, "Since I can't do laundry, even though my child is out of diapers, I had to put them back on."

Meanwhile, the National Fire Agency has decided to issue the second national fire mobilization order to support water supply in Gangneung, which continues to suffer from the worst drought damage. Fire trucks mobilized under this second order will begin full-scale water supply support activities starting September 8.

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