Residents left high and dry as water levels drop in Thai reservoir

A severe drop in water levels at the Lam Takhong Reservoir and Lam Mun River in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, is causing concern for residents. The primary water sources in the region are suffering due to drought and extreme heat, leading to fears of water shortages.

Lam Takhong, one of the four main reservoirs in Nakhon Ratchasima, currently holds only 111.25 million cubic metres of water. This represents just 35.38% of its capacity, a significant decrease from the 204.63 million cubic metres, or 65.07% of capacity, recorded in the same period last year, as reported by the provincial irrigation project. The substantial drop in water levels is attributed to drought, reduced rainfall, and persistent heat.

The reservoir plays a critical role in supplying water to five districts: Sung Noen, Sikhiu, Kham Thale So, Chalerm Prakiat, and Mueang. The amount of usable water at Lam Takhong now stands at 88.53 million cubic metres or 30.3% of its capacity.

The reservoir releases 259,000 cubic metres of water daily for tap water production in the five districts and to maintain the river’s ecological system.

However, only 80.70 millimetres of rainwater, representing about 8.23% of annual rainfall, has filled the reservoir this year. As a result, Lam Takhong’s water level is now considered low, prompting officials to call for careful water management and maximum utilisation.

In a similar vein, the water level in the Lam Mun River in Phimai district has also fallen significantly due to the prolonged heat. In Samrit village, the river has dried up to the point where people can walk across it in some areas.

The Lam Mun River serves as a crucial water source for several villages in Phimai district, providing water for tap water production and crop cultivation. The receding river water levels have caused residents to worry about potential water shortages.

Phimai district chief Siwasek Sinthoram recently assessed the water situation at Nong Laengthao reservoir in tambon Bot, which currently holds about 30% of its capacity. Authorities plan to release water from this reservoir into canals for residents’ use during the dry season.

They are also confident that the water in this reservoir, along with other upstream water sources of the Phimai Dam, will be adequate for tap water production in the district throughout the dry season, reported Bangkok Post.