No wastewater contamination at Kata Noi, says PMBC [video]

PHUKET: The first test results of seawater off Kata Noi showed no contamination by wastewater at the popular Phuket beach.

Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) officers took water samples yesterday evening following a 43-second drone video going viral on Facebook.

The video showed heavy discoloration of the water lapping against the beach. The title of the video is: ‘Kata Noi sea color looks different, likely to be mixed with wasted water’.

“At this stage, it appears there is nothing wrong with the quality of the water. However, we will continue to test it in the lab. We expect conclusive results in about a week,” said Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, head of the Marine Endangered Species Unit at the PMBC. “The tests will confirm whether or not the water is polluted, as well as offer some possible explanations for the discoloration.”

Facebook users were quick to blame local hotels for releasing untreated wastewater into the sea.

However, Kata Thani hotel General Manager Nirund Thanapop was equally quick in refuting such allegations.

“The local people at Kata Noi are very concerned about the preservation of the natural beauty of the beach. In accordance with the laws and the desires of the community, we have our own waste management system to prevent any untreated wastewater ruining our beach,” Mr Nirund said.

“Nonetheless, we have informed our guests about the matter, assuring them that harmless plankton cause the discoloration, which is normal to see at this time of year,” he added.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong