The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has given its assurances that there will be enough water to supply the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in spite of the El Nino phenomenon.
RID director-general Prapit Chanma yesterday said the Bureau of Water Management and Hydrology and Irrigation Office 9 had instructed the authorities to proceed with their water management plan to mitigate the effects of El Nino by ensuring sufficient water for industries in the EEC.
The El Nino weather phenomenon will affect the country from October to December before it weakens in April. As a result, rainfall will drop below average when the phenomenon intensifies.
According to data from the Thai Meteorological Department, the volume of accumulated rainwater from January to July 16 fell 41% when compared to the same period last year.
The water management of the EEC in Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong relies on a network of reservoirs. On May 30, officials commenced water pump operations in the areas to boost water supplies to the Pra Sae reservoir in Rayong, a water distribution centre for the EEC.
Mr Prapit said the water supply operation will continue until the end of this year, with the aim of maintaining a supply of 250,000 cubic metres of water per day, or 7.5 million m³ per month.
In addition, water from the Bang Pakong River and Khlong Phra-ong Chao Chaiyanuchit will be diverted to the Bang Phra Dam to maintain water quality and volume in accordance with the water production standard in Chon Buri, he said.
Mr Prapit said the RID plans to keep up water supplies to prevent operation disruptions in the EEC. However, the water will be diverted away if the level of saline exceeds the limit, he said.
He said the RID strictly complies with standard guidelines.
The network of water sources essential for the EEC comes from the Pra Sae, Nong Pla Lai, Dok Krai and Khlong Yai reservoirs as well as dams in Chon Buri, he said.
The RID has been working with the Department of Industrial Works to regulate the use of water to ensure sufficient supplies for the EEC, he said.
For the long term, the RID will expedite the construction of the Khlong Wang Tanod reservoir in Chanthaburi, the Khlong Nam Khiao reservoir in Rayong and the Nong Kra Ting and Khlong Ka Pong reservoirs in Chachoengsao, he said.
The RID has also come up with plans to provide assistance, including by deploying water pumps and trucks, to areas affected by water shortages, he said.