Thai water officials warn local authorities to get ready for shortages

The Office of the National Water Resources is warning that water stored in the country’s large and medium size dams is now dropping to the minimum useable level, urging measures from local agencies to ease the impact on the public.

This warning goes out with another three months of dry season hanging over Thailand’s head. The annual ‘wet season’ kicks off around the Songkran Thai new year festival which is held on April 13.

The Offices’ deputy Secretary-General, Samroeng Sangphuwong, says the total volume of water kept in resources nationwide stood at 49,789 million cubic metres, or 61% of their combined capacity.

“Of these, water for consumption amounted to 25,714 million cubic metres, or just 44%.”

14 large dams held less than 30% of their combined capacity. Meanwhile, reserved water in 91 medium resources are under observation.

“Currently, related agencies are adjusting their operations, focusing on supply to areas affected by water shortage, both inside and outside irrigation areas, within one or two months.”

“ONWR will monitor water allocations nationwide to ensure that supply is available during the drought season”.

Samroeng says the Royal Irrigation Department, Department of Agricultural Extension, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand had already changed their water allocation plans from 25 large and medium reservoirs.

The ONWR is emphasising to related agencies the importance of water allocation for consumption and preservation of the ecosystem, especially maintaining water quality.

“ONWR will cooperate with other agencies in solve drought-related problems by launching appropriate measures.”

SOURCE: The Nation