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8 clusters · 8 sources · 42 days · First seen · Last updated

Water shortages and dam restrictions in Japan

Overview

Japan is experiencing significant water shortages across multiple regions due to low rainfall and insufficient snowfall. In early August, the Miboro Dam in Gifu Prefecture saw water levels drop to approximately 30% of normal volume, threatening irrigation for 12,000 hectares across six cities in Toyama. By mid-August, the drought impacted additional areas. In Ishikawa Prefecture, the Tedorigawa Dam’s storage rate fell to 24%, prompting restrictions on nighttime agricultural water use. Simultaneously, in the Shikoku region, the Sakeura Dam in Kochi Prefecture reached a storage rate of 36.8%, leading the Yoshino River system water use council to initiate a third round of intake restrictions, including a 50% reduction in water supplies to Kagawa and an 18% reduction to Tokushima.

As of late August, the crisis expanded to Miyazaki, Aichi, Ehime, and Fukui Prefectures. In Miyazaki, the Hirosawa Dam reported a storage rate of 21% on August 20, while the Hamonose Dam fell to 23%, leading to scheduled cessations of water distribution to rice paddies starting September 5. In Aichi, the Uren Dam reached 13.8% storage. In Ehime, Matsuyama City reported monthly precipitation at only 15% of the seasonal average. In Fukui, the Kuzuryu Dam dropped to 19.60%. In Oita Prefecture, the Yabakei Dam storage rate dropped below 30% by August 27. In Nagasaki Prefecture, Sasebo City implemented pressure reduction water supply affecting approximately 42,000 households.

By mid-September, the shortage reached Saga Prefecture. Following a drop in the Ryumon Dam storage rate to 49.18% in Arita Town, Imari City implemented pressure-reduced water supply on September 15, affecting approximately 17,000 households. This marks the first such measure in Imari City in 32 years. In Arita Town, pressure reduction has already been implemented for nearly all households.

Entities

Yabakei Dam · Nakatsu City · Shō River · Yamaguni River · Kagawa Prefecture

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Imari City implements pressure-reduced water supply due to severe shortage

    Imari City and Arita Town in Saga Prefecture have implemented pressure-reduced water supply for tens of thousands of households due to critical dam water levels, the first such measure in 32 years.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Sasebo City implements water pressure reduction due to drought

    Sasebo City has begun pressure reduction water supply in southern districts to combat a severe drought. Approximately 42,000 households are affected as the Shimonohara Dam's storage level falls below 60%.

  3. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Yabakei Dam water levels drop below 30% in Nakatsu City

    The Yabakei Dam in Nakatsu City, Oita, has fallen below 30% capacity, triggering water restrictions and impacting school swimming lessons. Officials warn levels could hit 0% by mid-September.

  4. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Drought in Japan triggers water supply restrictions at multiple dams

    Severe drought in Japan is causing critical water shortages at Hamonose and Yabakei dams, leading to agricultural water halts and potential municipal supply restrictions.

  5. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Drought conditions impact dams in Fukui and Matsuyama

    Low rainfall across Japan is causing dam water levels to drop significantly, with Fukui Prefecture entering a drought alert status and Matsuyama City reporting precipitation at only 15% of the average.

  6. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Japan implements water restrictions amid declining dam reservoir levels

    Low rainfall in Japan has triggered water restrictions in Miyazaki and Aichi prefectures, with dam reservoir levels dropping significantly in both regions.

  7. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Japan water shortages trigger dam restrictions amid low rainfall

    Low rainfall in Japan has caused critical water shortages, with Tedorigawa Dam at 24% capacity and Sakeura Dam triggering water intake restrictions in Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures.

  8. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Miboro Dam water level falls to 30% as Toyama faces possible irrigation limits

    Miboro Dam's level fell to 30% of normal, risking zero water by mid‑August and possible first‑time irrigation limits in Toyama since 1994.

Sources

fnn.jp · friday.kodansha.co.jp · fukuishimbun.co.jp · gurizuri0505.halfmoon.jp · hokkoku.co.jp · news.cube-soft.jp · nishinippon.co.jp · the-miyanichi.co.jp

This summary has been updated 6 times: see revision history