Krirksak Leenanon, Chief of the Phuket branch of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID Phuket), confirmed to The Phuket News that Bang Neow Dam reservoir in Srisoonthorn, the main reservoir serving the fast-growing Bang Tao area in Cherng Talay, is currently holding less water than in previous years.
As of Thursday (Aug 27), Bang Neow Dam was only 41.3% full, holding 3.22 million cubic metres of water. The reservoir has a capacity of 7.79mn cubic metres. On Aug 27 last year, Bang Neow Dam was 61.49% full, with 4.79mn cubic metres of water.
“If rainfall is steady in September and October, storage levels should reach 80-90%,” Mr Krirksak noted. “It may not be completely full, but it will be enough to carry Phuket through the dry season without shortages,” he added.
However, already as a precaution RID Phuket has coordinated with the Provincial Waterworks Authority to reduce the pressure of water being drawn from Bang Neow Dam, and from Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu and Klong Kata reservoir in Chalong, to help conserve water ahead of the next dry season.
“Reducing pressure on the main reservoirs now will help ensure there is sufficient water next hot season,” Mr Krirksak said.
He stressed that all sectors must work together in managing water resources sustainably, as Phuket’s rapid urban and real estate growth will significantly increase water demand in the years ahead.
“Phuket needs a medium- to long-term water management plan,” Mr Krirksak noted, repeating a now decades-long mantra.
However, he added that steps were being taken in the right direction.
“A new water catchment project in Thalang, a ‘Kaem Ling’ (‘monkey cheeks’) project, will support Bang Neow Dam, but it will not be completed until 2027–2029,” Mr Krirksak said.
“In the meantime, a project to pipe in water from Phang Nga should begin next year, which will help relieve supply pressure,” he added.
“In the short term, Phuket RID will move ahead with work to expand Bang Wad Reservoir by dredging to increase capacity,” Mr Krirksak concluded.