The Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket) yesterday (Feb 17) convened its first working group meeting of the year to assess the situation and outline response strategies.
The meeting, chaired by DDPM Chief Sopon Thongsai, brought together representatives from various agencies to discuss water management and mitigation plans.
Officials noted that while February typically sees minimal rainfall, this year has recorded higher precipitation compared with 2024, allowing for better water storage.
However, concerns remain as forecasts predict another dry spell in late April.
Officials are preparing measures to ensure sufficient water supply, particularly for public consumption and agriculture, as water demand continues to rise due to population growth, said an official report of the meeting.
During the meeting, officials reviewed long-term strategies to enhance Phuket’s water infrastructure, including improving production and distribution systems.
Mr Sopon emphasised the need for all agencies to work closely together, continuously monitor conditions and provide timely updates to ensure swift action if drought conditions worsen.
The DDPM will continue to coordinate with relevant sectors to mitigate the impact of the dry season and safeguard Phuket’s water resources, Mr Sopon assured.
Krirksak Leenanon, Director of the Phuket branch of the Royal Irrigation Department, has assured that the island’s three main reservoirs have sufficient water to last until the end of the dry season ‒ even though Phuket is experiencing a huge resurgence in the number of tourist arrivals who are adding extra pressure on the water supply needed to serve them.
According to the Office of National Water Resources, the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn is currently 63% full, while Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu is 51% full and the Klong Kata reservoir in Chalong is 66% full.