The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) recently announced that, as of January 16, it has secured a record-breaking volume of approximately 9.5 billion tons (m3) of water storage at 20 multipurpose dams nationwide under its jurisdiction.

* The previous record was 8.94 billion tons as of January 16, 2019.

As a result of maximizing the storage of rainfall during last year's flood season (June 21 to September 20), the total reservoir capacity of multipurpose dams is at a level of 147% compared to the average year. It is expected that dam droughts will not occur before this year's flood season. Consequently, it is anticipated that stable water supply for living and industrial purposes will be available in most regions nationwide.

The Ministry, after analyzing the watershed rainfall for the past year, revealed that 2023 marked a year of climate extremes, with severe drought in the first half and record-breaking rainfall in the second half, particularly in the southern region.

In the watershed of multipurpose dams in 2023, the annual average rainfall was 1,716 mm (137% of the average year). However, from January to April of that year, the rainfall was at a level of 69% compared to the average year, with a multipurpose dam average precipitation of 129 mm.

In particular, the drought situation, centered in the southern region and ongoing since 2022, persisted. On April 4, 2023, Juam Dam recorded a historically low reservoir level of 20% due to the prolonged drought conditions.

To overcome the severe drought at that time, the Ministry, since November 2022, had established a joint task force (TF) with relevant agencies. They managed a total of 11 dams under drought levels and implemented diverse drought measures, including water management and demand reduction. By July of that year, all 11 dams had been relieved from the drought stage.

* Drought Management Dams in 2023: 【Critical】 Juam, Sueo, Seomjin River, Pyeongnim 【Caution】 Andong, Imha, Hapcheon, Yeongcheon, Unmun, Boryeong 【Attention】 Daecheong

In particular, during the severe drought situation at Juam Dam (a multipurpose dam under the Ministry of Environment), an optimal coordination plan between Juam Dam and Boseong River Dam (a power generation dam under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy) was pursued through a business agreement between K-Water and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. This initiative ensured the regular supply of industrial water to the Yeosu Industrial Complex, which was facing a crisis of water supply interruption.

Furthermore, the Ministry plans to strengthen the safety net for protecting the public from droughts and floods by not only ensuring the efficient operation of existing dams but also through the construction of new dams and the remodeling of existing dams. This is part of the preparation to address the deepening climate crisis. 

Additionally, considering future water supply projections and flood risk, the Ministry is reviewing the suitability of 20 dams proposed by local communities from May to November of last year. This assessment, done in conjunction with the ministry-led dam construction plans, takes into account urgency and priorities. The plan includes advancing the basic design for 10 dams and conducting feasibility studies for 3 dams.

Kim Gu-beom, the Director General for Water Resources Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, stated, "The role of dams is becoming increasingly crucial in the worsening situation of the climate crisis." He emphasized, "With the top priority being the safety of the public, we will effectively operate dams and, at the same time, vigorously pursue the construction of new dams and the remodeling of existing dams to ensure stable water supply and prevent flood damage."

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com