Phuket prepares to stave off drought

PHUKET: The Phuket governor yesterday ordered the island’s leading water authority to prepare for drought, despite the agency’s assurances that local water reserves would be plentiful until the annual rains return in May.

“This dry season, we must manage our water resources so that any restriction in supply affects as few people as possible,” Governor Nisit Jansomwong told a meeting of water supply officials, including those from the Phuket Water Authority (PWA).

“Waterworks equipment and vehicles must be ready to use at any time. Also, prepare backup water sources in case they are needed.”

Governor Nisit explained that preparation was key in effectively handling water shortages.

“Although we currently have enough water, we need to start a water-saving campaign to help prevent any shortages,” he said.

However, PWA Manager Pisak Chonlayut assured the governor that the island’s reserves were full enough to supply residents and tourists throughout the dry season.

The Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu currently has about 4.5 million cubic meters of water, while the Bang Neow Dam Reservoir in Thalang has about 6.5mn cubic meters, Mr Pisak explained.

“Even if it doesn’t rain in March, April and May, we will have enough water,” Mr Pisak said.

However, if no major rainfall restocks supplies by the end of May, the PWA will have to turn to private waters sources for supply, Mr Pisak noted.

“Phuket has a lot of private water sources that we can use to supplement the government supply,” he said.

“The lake at Loch Palm Golf Course is ready to use, and we are preparing another water source in Cherng Talay that will be ready to use in April.

“Both of these sources can be used right through to August.”

Regardless, Mr Pisak agreed with Governor Nisit’s call for a public awareness campaign highlighting the need to conserve water.

“I hope we can start the campaign this month,” he said.

— Voratuss Intasee