Water quality in Klong Saen Saep has improved after a two-year strict regulation on wastewater treatment, according to the Pollution Control Department.
A survey by the department has found traditional sources of pollution, such as condominiums, department stores, and hospitals, have adopted better practices and regulations on discharging wastewater into the canal.
Pralong Damrongthai, the department's chief, said effective law enforcement has reduced the rate of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) Loading discharged per day (BOD/day) by 2,800 kilogrammes into the canal, or 49% of capacity. It is believed that the overall reduction level can reach 70% if everything is done according to law.
According to the department's survey, there are 720 sources of polluted water along the canal.
At least 253 of these sources face fines of 2,000 baht per day until the wastewater is treated properly before being discharged under the environment promotion and protection law.
"We do hope the level of BOD Loading will be reduced to 70% shortly if all sources of polluted water are controlled by law. Law enforcement is the key to success," he said.
He added the department is now working with various agencies, including the Department of Lands, the Department of Provincial Administration and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to set up measures on wastewater control, adding that data from the department should be connected with other agencies that have been authorised to approve construction licences.
The department will expand its work to other sub-canals with bad water quality, with an attempt to reduce wastewater discharges into the main canal by surveying the capital's eight inner-districts of Phra Nakhon, Promprap Sattruphai, Samphanthawong, Bang Rak, Sathon, Bang Kholaem, Yannawa and Bang Sue.
He also said the department also plans to check the quality of waste discharge from state-owned agencies, enterprises, and universities to determine whether it is in line with the standard required, adding they all should set a good precedent to the private sector and public to follow in this regard.