Tap water still safe, says Yingluck

“The water production is in line with the World Health Organisation standard,” WHO representative David Sutherland said after the inspections.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Japanese Ambassador to Thailand Seiji Kojima, Japanese media, and representatives from Mahidol University’s faculty of public health, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Public Health Ministry, and the National Research Council also took part in the inspections.
“I have come here in person because I want assurances for the public that tap water is still safe,” Yingluck said.
MWA governor Jarern Passara said his agency had solved quality problems, and the tap water was now safe to drink.
Yingluck said: “But if you have time, boil or filter before drinking it because that will improve its colour and smell.”
With flooding worsening in the capital during the past few weeks, angry flood victims have destroyed barriers along the Waterworks (Prapa) Canal, in the hope of using the canal to direct flood water out of their areas.
Their actions affected tap-water production, as the raw water for production dropped in quality.
Dr Pittaya Charupoolphol, dean of Mahidol University’s faculty of public health, said the raw water was contaminated with a huge volume of dust particles and stuff that might cause diarrhoea.
“More chlorine, potassium permanganate and oxygen have been added and more filters are being used for tap-water production. These measures help improve the quality of raw water,” he said.
A representative from the National Research Council said the problems were now solved. However, he warned people to check their underground tanks if their areas are flooded.
“Tap water from MWA facilities are safe but you must check the tanks at your places too,” he said.