Japan water shortages trigger dam restrictions amid low rainfall

Multiple regions in Japan are facing significant water shortages due to low rainfall, leading to reduced reservoir levels and the implementation of water intake restrictions.

In Ishikawa Prefecture, the Tedorigawa Dam's storage rate has dropped to 24%, significantly lower than the average of 60%. The water level has fallen 35 meters from its maximum capacity. While the prefecture states that the supply of water for daily life remains unaffected for now, authorities have already begun restricting agricultural water use at night. If rainfall does not increase, further conservation measures may be required. Other dams used for drinking water in the prefecture maintain higher storage rates between 52% and 89%.

In the Shikoku region, the Yoshino River system water use council has initiated a third round of water intake restrictions due to declining levels at the Sakeura Dam in Kochi Prefecture. As of August 18, the dam's storage rate was 36.8%, well below the average of 79.9%. These restrictions involve reducing water supplies to Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures, with Kagawa facing a 50% reduction and Tokushima an 18% reduction. Authorities are monitoring the situation and may consider a fourth round of restrictions if storage levels drop toward 15%.