Imari City implements pressure-reduced water supply due to severe shortage

Imari City in Saga Prefecture has implemented pressure-reduced water supply due to severe water shortages, marking the first such measure in 32 years since the Great Heisei Drought. The decision follows a drop in the water storage rate of the Ryumon Dam in Arita Town to 49.18 percent as of September 14, falling below the 50 percent threshold.

The measure affects approximately 17,000 households in Imari City, potentially resulting in lower water pressure from taps starting September 15. In Arita Town, pressure reduction has already been implemented for approximately 5,800 households since September 7, with an additional 2,000 households added on September 14, covering nearly all households in the town.

While parts of the region experienced some rainfall, the amounts were insufficient to alleviate the shortage. This situation highlights a trend of extreme weather in Japan, where regions face severe water scarcity even as other areas deal with record-breaking heavy rains.