South Korea's major dams face drought alerts as rainfall dwindles

South Korea is grappling with a significant drought, leading to eight of its 34 major dams entering various stages of drought alert. The Milyang Dam, a key water source for the Nakdong River basin, has been placed under a 'precautionary' drought stage, its third level of alert. This follows earlier warnings of 'attention' on June 1 and 'caution' on June 10. Rainfall in the Milyang Dam's catchment area has been critically low, measuring only 447mm this year, which is 52% of the annual average. Since the start of the monsoon season on June 21, rainfall has plummeted to just 50mm, a mere 12% of the usual amount. The dam's current water storage is at 24.59 million tons, with a water level of 33%, significantly below the typical 52% for this time of year. Milyang Dam supplies water to the cities of Yangsan, Miryang, and Changnyeong.

To manage the dwindling water resources, authorities are implementing water conservation measures. Daily water supply for living and industrial use from Milyang Dam to Miryang and Yangsan cities will be reduced by 8,000 tons, with this water to be sourced from the Miryang and Nakdong rivers instead. Agricultural water supply may be cut by up to 91,000 tons per day, depending on actual usage, rainfall, and downstream river conditions. The government aims to ensure a stable water supply within the year despite the drought's severity.

In the Yeongsan River basin, the Pyeongnim Dam in Jangseong, South Jeolla Province, has also entered the 'caution' drought stage. This follows an 'attention' warning issued on July 8. Rainfall in the Pyeongnim Dam's area has been recorded at 525mm, 64% of the annual average. The dam currently holds 5.66 million tons of water, at 55% capacity, which is 89% of the usual level. Pyeongnim Dam serves the counties of Yeonggwang, Damyang, Jangseong, and Hampyeong.

Similar water-saving measures are being enacted for Pyeongnim Dam. Daily water supply for river maintenance will be reduced by up to 4,000 tons, and agricultural water supply may also be cut by up to 4,000 tons daily, based on usage. The government assures that these measures will secure water supply for the region through the end of the year. Other dams, including Unmun Dam ('severe' drought), Andong Dam, Imha Dam, Seongdeok Dam, and Yeongcheon Dam ('caution' drought), and Seomjin River Dam ('attention' drought), are also under drought advisories, highlighting a widespread water scarcity issue across the country.