People urged to conserve water in large dams drop to worrying levels
Despite scattered showers in different parts of the country recently, the water level in large and medium-sized reservoirs is fairly low, Dr Thaweesak Thanadechopol, deputy director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, said on Wednesday.
Dams currently hold 37.206 billion cubic meters of water or 49 per cent of their combined capacity. Of this, only about 13.277 billion cubic meters is useable. Of the large dams in the country, 17 have less than 30 per cent of useable water, namely Bhumibol, Sirikit, Mae Kuang, Kiew Kho Ma, Khwae Noi, Mae Mok, Huai Luang, Nam Un, Chulabhorn, Ubonrat, Lam Pao, Pasak, Thap Salao, Srinakarin, Vajiralongkorn, Khun Dan and Khlong Si Yat.
The Royal Irrigation Department has called on officials to monitor the water situation in their areas closely and strictly manage water consumption based on the allocation plan. More than 15.2 billion cubic meters or 81 per cent of water available has been allocated and 9.7 million litres distributed to 237 drought-hit villages in 51 provinces.
People are being urged to conserve water so there is enough for everyone during the dry season.