Bang Neow Dum Reservoir in Srisoonthorn is already 93% full, with 6.67 million cubic metres of water, reports the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). The reservoir’s total capacity is 7.2mn cubic metres.
According to the ONWR, as of yesterday (Sept 20), Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu was 76% full, with 7.74mn cubic metres of water (capacity 10.2mn cubic metres).
Meanwhile, Klong Kata Reservoir in Chalong was 81% full, with 3.33mn cubic metres of water (capacity 3.49mn cubic metres).
Inflows have risen dramatically in recent days, and weeks, the ONWR also notes, reporting an inflow rate of 0.25mn cubic metres at both the Bang Wad and Bang Neow reservoirs, and an inflow of 0.46mn cubic metres of water at Klong Kata.
Officials nationwide on Thursday (Sept 19) were ordered to monitor water levels at all reservoirs throughout the country at risk of overflowing, and to take any immediate action to prevent further calamity.
“Right now, I insist that It is not dangerous.” Mr Krirksak told The Phuket News.
“There’s a strong chance the reservoirs will reach full capacity. By the end of this month, they’re likely to be nearly 100% full,” he said.
Mr Krirksak also assured that when the time comes officials will start releasing water through the reservoirs’ spillways to make sure they do not overflow.
However, he did not confirm whether officials were already doing that.
“This will not affect people in downstream areas,” Mr Krirksak again assured.
“We are still monitoring the situation. The reservoirs can still receive inflows, and there has been no reason to take any action,” he said.
HIGH-LOW
Considering how low the water levels reached by the end of June this year, at the end of a near-month-long heatwave in Phuket, Mr Krirksak still assures there will be enough water supply for the dry season next year.
“I confirm Phuket will have enough water for the upcoming tourism high season, and the dry season next year,” he said.
“Our priority is to store as much water as possible during the rainy season. By early each December, the reservoir should be nearly full, ensuring we have enough water to last through the dry season and provide for residents until the end of June next year,” Mr Krirksak said.
“If the reservoirs reach full capacity by then, it will be sufficient to meet these needs,” he said.
Of note, according to the ONWR, on June 19 this year the water level at Bang Neow Dum reservoir reached as low as 35% of capacity, while that same day Klong Kata reservoir in Chalong recorded 20.34% of capacity.
Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu, however, as the island’s main reservoir, recorded just 9.11% full on June 17.
The low water levels were not reported by Phuket officials. The figures only became available through the historical data published by the ONWR.