Putting water to work

Scientists looking at 'climate-smart' agriculture for cost-effective flood prevention.

Published: 7 May 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Business

Following the massive flooding last year, leading scientists are taking a more serious look at how to put excessive flood water into the soil as one of the solutions to help solve future flooding in Thailand and some other Southeast Asian countries.

Pumping water back into the soil is possible and could be an alternative to large dam constructions and water retention development, according to Matthew McCartney of the Vientiane-based International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

Scientists at the institute are now working with the Groundwater Research Center of Khon Kaen University to explore the possibility of doing field research in Thailand. They are looking at the upper reaches of the Chao Phraya River about 100 kilometres away from Bangkok for possible sites, Mr McCartney said.

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wantmyony
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Discussion 1 : 07 May 2012 at 23.591
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In ancient India, villager dig deep and wide pits to hold water during the monsoons. These water were later used to irrigate the field during the dry seasons. Thailand could do the same with unused land, perhaps dig a cavern big enoughto hold several swimming pools. Returning water to underground sound technologically possible but it will be expensive as the water need to be purify first and giant pumps are need to pump it underground. A better way is to grow more trees.
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Putting water to work | Bangkok Post: business