Gangneung Lifts Drought Disaster Declaration as Obong Reservoir Recovers to 61.1% Storage Rate

Kim Honggyu, mayor of Gangneung, held a press conference in the city hall's main conference room on the 23rd and officially announced the lifting of the drought disaster declaration, which was proclaimed on the 30th of last month, as the water storage rate of Obong Reservoir has recovered to a stable level.

Kim Honggyu, mayor of Gangneung, held a press conference in the city hall's main conference room on the 23rd and officially announced the lifting of the drought disaster declaration, which was proclaimed on the 30th of last month, as the water storage rate of Obong Reservoir has recovered to a stable level. Provided by Gangneung City

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During the briefing, Mayor Kim stated, "On September 12, the reservoir's storage rate dropped to 11.5 percent, putting the entire city of Gangneung in a crisis. However, thanks to the water-saving efforts of citizens, the response of the government and local authorities, and recent rainfall, the storage rate recovered to 61.1 percent as of midnight on the 23rd. For the next 141 days, until February next year, there will be no disruptions in the supply of water for daily use."

Since August 20, the city has implemented strong water-saving measures, such as expanding water meter lockouts, restricting water supply, and introducing scheduled water supply for apartment complexes. As a result, the city achieved an average reduction in water usage of more than 20 percent. Mayor Kim emphasized, "Above all, this would not have been possible without the cooperation of our citizens."

With the lifting of the disaster declaration, Gangneung City has also lifted all water supply restrictions. From the 23rd, public restrooms and sports facilities will resume normal operations, and public swimming pools will reopen starting in October.

However, Mayor Kim added, "Water conservation remains important," and stated, "We will continue to promote water-saving campaigns in everyday life."

To revitalize the local economy, which has been stagnant due to the drought, Gangneung City will hold a traditional market shopping event during the Chuseok holiday (October 1-2), and will issue business loss certificates to small business owners to support disaster loans (up to 100 million won, with an interest rate of 2.0 percent).

Mayor Kim stated, "Taking this drought as an opportunity, we will accelerate the diversification of water sources for daily use and the modernization of the water supply system." He added, "Through the expansion of the Hongje and Yeongok water purification plants, the installation of underground storage dams, and the reuse of treated wastewater, we will establish a more stable water resource system."

Mayor Kim reiterated, "Overcoming this crisis was possible thanks to the efforts of all citizens," and promised, "Gangneung will continue to become a city resilient to drought, a city where there are no worries about water."

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