Water reserves at Unmun Dam, a major drinking-water source for Daegu, have fallen to a critical level after prolonged dry conditions. The reservoir stood at 22.9% capacity at 1 p.m. on Oct. 5, according to the Kyunghyang Shinmun, keeping it within the drought category classified as “serious.” The situation raises concern about potential disruption if water levels continue to decline.
- Reservoir level
- 22.9% at 1 p.m. on Oct. 5
- Drought status
- Serious stage since July 15
- Watershed rainfall
- 634 millimeters since January, 57% of normal
Rainfall across the dam’s watershed has been far below normal. Daegu’s Waterworks Headquarters said cumulative precipitation since January was 634 millimeters, about 57% of the usual level. The dam entered the drought “caution” stage on March 2 and the “serious” stage on July 15. Its storage rate was 23.6% on Oct. 1, the Maeil Shinmun reported.
Daegu is responding by increasing replacement supplies from the Nakdong River and preparing emergency facilities connected to the Geumho River. The additional sources are intended to reduce dependence on Unmun Dam if its available supply falls further. Officials are focusing on maintaining stable tap-water delivery while the drought continues.
Daegu broadens its backup water supply response
The immediate affected group is Daegu residents and businesses that rely on the municipal water system. The reports describe a growing supply risk and preventive action rather than a confirmed interruption. The practical impact will depend on whether substitute intake can offset further losses at the reservoir and whether meaningful rainfall reaches the watershed.
The next indicators to watch are Unmun Dam’s storage rate, rainfall totals and any announcement that Geumho River emergency facilities have begun operating. A continued decline could force Daegu to expand alternative supply measures, while sustained rain would ease pressure on the city’s main drinking-water source.