As the Gimhae region in South Gyeongsang Province enters a stage of 'severe drought,' the city has initiated emergency measures, including using treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants for agricultural purposes. Mayor Jeong Yeong-du is personally overseeing drought conditions even during his summer vacation, considering the potential need for city funding if the situation persists.
According to the city of Gimhae, rainfall this week has reached only 35% of the average, and the water reservoir levels are at just 50.1% of normal. In response, the city is supplying agricultural water to a total of 342 hectares, including 45 hectares in the Jinrye area and 297 hectares around the Hwapocheon in Hanlim, by reusing treated wastewater and installing temporary weirs in rivers.
Funding for drought response includes 670 million won received from the provincial and Ministry of the Interior and Safety this month, along with an additional 100 million won secured through the city's safety department, bringing the total to approximately 770 million won. This budget will be used comprehensively for drought response, including the development of new wells, operation of water supply vehicles, reservoir dredging, and pump operation, with implementation starting this week.
One notable measure is the use of treated wastewater from the Jinrye Public Sewage Treatment Plant for agricultural purposes. The city has installed two temporary pumps at existing drop structures in the Jinrye area to push water upstream to supply the nearby 45 hectares (30% facility cultivation, 70% rice paddies).
A city official stated, "Measurements taken with our equipment show that the electrical conductivity, a key indicator of water quality, is at half the level of the drinking water standard, making it suitable for use. This information has been communicated to farmers through the township office." The pumps have been tested for 24-hour operation without issues downstream, and the city will cover all electricity costs.
In the Hanlim area, a temporary weir has been installed to secure water supply, which will be maintained until sufficient rainfall or water supply is restored.
The priority areas for water supply were selected based on the severity of the situation, including the area affected and the number of complaints received, with Jinrye and Hanlim identified as the most critical. However, requests for support from other towns and villages are pouring in, making the availability of water supply vehicles a key concern. Currently, only 1-2 water supply vehicles are available across Gyeongnam, leading to fierce competition among local governments for resources. The city plans to secure four additional water supply vehicles next week to expand support beyond Jinrye and Hanlim.
Reports of crop damage are expected to be compiled by responsible officials, with a clearer picture emerging around July 7.
The city of Gimhae is also preparing follow-up measures in case the drought continues. A city official noted, "If the drought persists, we expect the province or central government to conduct a new demand survey related to disaster relief and allocate funds. If that does not happen, we plan to actively respond to minimize drought damage using city funds."
Park Myung-jun, head of the Gimhae Construction Division, stated, "To respond to the ongoing drought, we are implementing various water supply measures tailored to local conditions, including the reuse of treated wastewater, installation of temporary weirs, and increasing the discharge from water treatment plants. We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure a steady supply of agricultural water."
This hands-on approach to drought response is evident in the actions of Mayor Jeong Yeong-du. Since starting his summer vacation on August 4, he has been personally driving his car to inspect drought and heat-affected areas, effectively extending his work duties.
On the first day of his vacation, Mayor Jeong met with local leaders to discuss drought measures and inspected the Hanlim area. The following day, he visited the severely affected Jinrye area and met with seniors at the Jinrye Agricultural Cooperative to discuss heat safety measures.
On August 6, he held a meeting with small business owners, and on the last day of his vacation, which coincides with the traditional market day in Gimhae, he plans to check on local livelihoods while shopping at the market. Earlier, the city, under Mayor Jeong's direction, recommended that elderly residents stop collecting waste for the month of August and is implementing comprehensive measures to address the ongoing heat and drought.
Mayor Jeong stated, "If the mayor does not take a vacation, it may be difficult for staff to take theirs, so I took time off, but I cannot remain idle amid the ongoing heat and drought. I am communicating with local residents and inspecting the situation daily. I will do my best to ensure that we do not neglect drought and heat measures even after returning to work, so that citizens do not suffer from climate disasters."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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