Concern Over The Use Of Water During Drought Crisis

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MOAC is concerned over the use of water during drought crisis

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry (MOAC) is concerned over water situation this year, while the use of water in the Chao Phraya basin exceeds the target by 1,000 million cubic meters.

Agriculture Minister Teera Wongsamut cited that total quantity of water in large and medium reservoirs across the country was currently at 39.18 billion cubic meters or 53% of the overall capacity, while water level in each reservoir kept decreasing continuously.

According to the strategy for water allocation nationwide at 20.72 billion cubic meters, 21.43 billion cubic meters or 103% had already been used, exceeding the target by 707 million cubic meters. In the Chao Phraya basin alone, water use exceeded the target by 1.9 billion cubic meters or 124%.

The Minister said that as to the decrease of water release in particular reservoir for people use, related officials had been assigned to explain to the public with the warnings for the people on their water use in daily life and farming. He reiterated that the water would never be released for the use of off-season rice farming.

The Royal Irrigation Department has been tasked to prepare the strategy on water use during the rainy season and the measures to deal with irregular rainfalls due to El Nino phenomenon.

-- NNT 2010-04-30

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NDWC: drought crisis spreads in several provinces

CHANTHABURI (NNT) -- The National Disaster Warning Center of Thailand (NDWC) indicates several provinces are facing drought crisis at the moment and forecasts a super hot climate next year.

NDWC Director Dr Smith Thammasaroj stated that presently several provinces encountered drought crisis. Chiang Mai province has just announced drought area in 24 districts and the government has already provided an assistance budget of 30 million THB. Meanwhile, In Nan and Mae Hong Son the 3rd Army Area has distributed water for people use, same as in Udon Thani where the 24th Army Region has provided water for affected residents.

The local administrations have conducted several measures to aid drought sufferers including the distribution of water, dredging of canals, and drilling for wells. As for long-term solution, tree planting and construction of ponds are suggested in all areas.

Dr Smith added that next year, the climate would be more severely hotter.

-- NNT 2010-04-30

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[elkangorito]

I feel that we foreigners could set an example & start being sensible with water before it's too late.

Sydney Water has implemented rules, which are simple & reasonable. You can read all about them here:

http://www.sydneywater.com.au/Water4Life/WaterWise/

Some other interesting info about water restrictions in Australia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_restrictions_in_Australia

It seems apparent that some areas of Thailand already warrant some tough water restriction rules NOW. The 'public' could be educated via media, about the rules & how to become 'water wise'.

This is a serious issue & if not acted upon now, everyone will suffer.

"Every drop is precious".

[billd766]

I feel that we foreigners could set an example & start being sensible with water before it's too late.

Sydney Water has implemented rules, which are simple & reasonable. You can read all about them here:

http://www.sydneywater.com.au/Water4Life/WaterWise/

Some other interesting info about water restrictions in Australia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_restrictions_in_Australia

It seems apparent that some areas of Thailand already warrant some tough water restriction rules NOW. The 'public' could be educated via media, about the rules & how to become 'water wise'.

This is a serious issue & if not acted upon now, everyone will suffer.

"Every drop is precious".

You are beating your head against the wall and wasting your breath methinks.

Out here where I live there has been no water from the government for 5 weeks now and the amphur will generousl give 1 ongs worth free (about 1,500 litres) per household.

I have been using the klong but now for some reason my water pump cannot raise more than about 1 metre instead of the 10 metres vertically as advertised.

I have stripped and rebuilt it a couple of times and even changed the engine with one from my kruang tatya and there is still not enough suction.

My plan this year is to dig a hole 6.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 metres, concrete the walls and base and slab the roof.

At least I have the land and space to do it

That should give me about 100,000 litres of extra water storage.