“Some farmers accepted periodic floods as a nutrient supply, although they destroyed fields instantly. In Shonai, flood control was a long held dream among farmers and residents,” said Mr. Yoshinobu Chonan. “Gassan Dam’s aim was flood prevention, but also for agricultural irrigation and daily use. As a paddy region, we have historically discussed the usage of water and how to harmonize with it.”
Compared to other areas, as a snowy region, Shonai retains an abundant amount of meltwater as ground water. However, due to a drawdown in ground water levels because of rapid land development, restrictions and suspensions of the water supply occurred. “A dam plays an important role not only in managing water supply, but also letting rivers flow”. To avoid both droughts and environmental changes, “We check the proper amount needed for each locale, and operate it with caution,” said Mr. Yoshinobu Chonan. The reservoir behind Gassan Dam, named Asashi Gassan Lake, stores 65 million m3 of water. Because of global warming, changes in our ecosystem, and severe regional rainstorms, the prediction of floods has been much more complicated to make. Gassan Dam was designed to prevent a one-hundred-year flood. Anything can happen, so we should expect to live with Mother Nature, not try to defeat her. As usual, people today in Shonai live with and utilize water in their daily lives.
