The southern province of Krabi is facing a water crisis due to a prolonged lack of rain, with officials having to implement water rationing from today. Parts of southern Thailand, including Phuket, face occasional water shortages at the end of the hot season.
The wet season, for Krabi and Phuket, is expected to kick in sometime later in April.
Thai PBS World reports that the provincial waterworks authority, which is the sole distributor of tap water, is having to cut supply to homes and businesses from today. The rationing will be carried out based on a zoning system, according to the report.
Provincial governor Somchai Harnpakdeepatima met with Nutnapha Pinthong, chief of the provincial waterworks authority, to draw up a plan for dealing with the water shortage and mitigating the fallout for both tourism and households.
According to Nutnapha, the Krabi Yai Canal and the reservoir in Tap Prik sub-district are the two main sources of raw water. Both are at risk of running dry due to the ongoing lack of rain.
The waterworks authority will reduce the volume of water being drawn from both the canal and the reservoir and implement a rationing system.
From Monday to Wednesday, homes and businesses in Krabi Noi sub-district, Khlong Prasong, and Nua Khong district will receive tap water. Other parts of the province, including popular commercial and tourist areas like Ao Nang, will receive tap water from Thursday to Sunday.
In addition, there are mobile water purification vehicles being drafted in to provide additional portable water for tourist areas like Ao Nang and Nong Thale, while many people are stocking up on buckets and water tanks in which to store water.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
