RID: Water in major dams to last through July

[webfact]

RID: Water in major dams to last through July

BANGKOK, 29 March 2016 (NNT) – The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is adamant the amount of water in major reservoirs will be sufficient for public use until the end of the dry season in July.

According to RID Director-General Suthep Noipairoj, after the dry season arrived on November 1 last year, the amount of water both for consumption and ecological conservation at Bhumibol, Sirikit, Khwae Noi Bamrung Daen and Pa Sak Jolasid Dams is currently standing at 2.44 billion cubic meters. The dams are discharging water at a combined 18 million cubic meters per day.

In response to fears that the reserved water would completely run out this dry season, Mr Suthep promised that although the current supply is considered limited, it will definitely be adequate for public demand until July, when rainfall is forecast to return.

The Director-General added that the RID has already drawn up a water management plan for each of the dams. Nonetheless, he urged everyone to use water as sparingly as possible in order to effectively adhere to those plans and avoid water shortages.

-- NNT 2016-03-29

[DeepInTheForest]

The latest global warming news is dire. The warming is occurring even more quickly than scientists projected. That suggests disappearing glaciers in the Himalayas that feed the Mekong.

This year may be simply a taste of what is to come.

We can hope that the rains return at their usual time. If not, one has to wonder, what then?

[jamesbrock]

True, but the Mekong only skirts Thailand's border for around 400km. The Chao Phraya watershed, which is the largest watershed in Thailand, covers approximately 35% of the nation's interior, and, as none of its tributaries extend beyond Thailand's borders, it is not affected by the flows of the Mekong.

[ezzra]

But never mind that, let's us waste gazillion cubic tones of water splashing each other like mad monkeys

on this coming Songran holiday, after all, we can always dig more artesian wells and suck them dry too

and so we dig more......

[thesetat2013]

But never mind that, let's us waste gazillion cubic tones of water splashing each other like mad monkeys

on this coming Songran holiday, after all, we can always dig more artesian wells and suck them dry too

and so we dig more......

Sounds like a good idea. Let's have some fun.

[X pat]

We were were told two weeks ago that U-Bonrat Dam was at 1% usable water,and yet now they say we have enough to last untell the rainy season,makes one wonder what to beleave.

[happynthailand]

not the "RID"

[Ulic]

Happy to be reassured,...........But what if the rains come late as forecast and are

lite, also as forecast. What will the plan for next year be.

[phoenixdoglover]

In late February, the TMD predicted below average rainfall for all regions of Thailand through mid May.

There will be a rainy season. But if it runs at 80% total rainfall (consistent with near term forecasts) those reservoirs may not recover.

[robblok]

The latest global warming news is dire. The warming is occurring even more quickly than scientists projected. That suggests disappearing glaciers in the Himalayas that feed the Mekong.

This year may be simply a taste of what is to come.

We can hope that the rains return at their usual time. If not, one has to wonder, what then?

Call me stupid but don't glaciers melt... and if that went faster as normal would that not mean more water going into the mekong.. not less ? (ok there might be some evaporation but that would be offset by the larger volume)

[phoenixdoglover]

The latest global warming news is dire. The warming is occurring even more quickly than scientists projected. That suggests disappearing glaciers in the Himalayas that feed the Mekong.

This year may be simply a taste of what is to come.

We can hope that the rains return at their usual time. If not, one has to wonder, what then?

Call me stupid but don't glaciers melt... and if that went faster as normal would that not mean more water going into the mekong.. not less ? (ok there might be some evaporation but that would be offset by the larger volume)

Smaller glaciers means less water stored as ice, meaning less meltwater. Think long term.

[elgordo38]

In late February, the TMD predicted below average rainfall for all regions of Thailand through mid May.

There will be a rainy season. But if it runs at 80% total rainfall (consistent with near term forecasts) those reservoirs may not recover.

I think its time TIT informed all tourists to bring their own water or stay home.

[robblok]

The latest global warming news is dire. The warming is occurring even more quickly than scientists projected. That suggests disappearing glaciers in the Himalayas that feed the Mekong.

This year may be simply a taste of what is to come.

We can hope that the rains return at their usual time. If not, one has to wonder, what then?

Call me stupid but don't glaciers melt... and if that went faster as normal would that not mean more water going into the mekong.. not less ? (ok there might be some evaporation but that would be offset by the larger volume)

Smaller glaciers means less water stored as ice, meaning less meltwater. Think long term.

Yes, of course long term but the poster said this year... now melting faster means more water now and less later.. correct ? But there is less water now.. that does not really support his point.

[Speedo1968]

If you know its your land and you had water and you remember where the water was and what the grass / plants looked like then and now and if you don't remember hire a diviner and then buy a spade .......

Too easy ? Maybe its illegal to dig for your own water on your own land although have seen it done using a bore.

[Stoker58]

The latest global warming news is dire. The warming is occurring even more quickly than scientists projected. That suggests disappearing glaciers in the Himalayas that feed the Mekong.

This year may be simply a taste of what is to come.

We can hope that the rains return at their usual time. If not, one has to wonder, what then?

There's always someone predicting the end of the world.

[Basil B]

Maybe would make more sense to wait until after Songkran to make any prediction...

[thaihome]

In late February, the TMD predicted below average rainfall for all regions of Thailand through mid May.

There will be a rainy season. But if it runs at 80% total rainfall (consistent with near term forecasts) those reservoirs may not recover.

Actually the current forecast are for the rainy season to be normal or heavier then normal:

http://asmc.asean.org/asmc-el-nino/

"International climate outlook models and expert assessment suggest that the current El Niño will weaken by the middle of 2016 (Figure D) and La Niña or neutral conditions are likely to occur in the second half of 2016 (Figure E)."

Been two years now of below normal rain, and things are forecasted to get better in seconds half of the tear. Big problem is there is also a chance of more frequent then normal number of typhoons which can cause excessive rainfall even in Thailand.

TH

[NCC1701A]

they are moving Soi Cowboy to higher ground, right?

Edited March 29, 2016 by NCC1701A

[phoenixdoglover]

The latest global warming news is dire. The warming is occurring even more quickly than scientists projected. That suggests disappearing glaciers in the Himalayas that feed the Mekong.

This year may be simply a taste of what is to come.

We can hope that the rains return at their usual time. If not, one has to wonder, what then?

Call me stupid but don't glaciers melt... and if that went faster as normal would that not mean more water going into the mekong.. not less ? (ok there might be some evaporation but that would be offset by the larger volume)

Smaller glaciers means less water stored as ice, meaning less meltwater. Think long term.

Yes, of course long term but the poster said this year... now melting faster means more water now and less later.. correct ? But there is less water now.. that does not really support his point.

Unless the glaciers have already receded due to warming over the past 20 years.

Interesting report here http://www.unep.org/pdf/unep_geas_sept_2012.pdf

Overall, the science is incomplete, so the impact on river basins has been only roughly estimated.

But...I would be more concerned with upstream diversions, rather than glacial melt-water. I have done a little reading about he Mekong, and this seems to be the principal problem along its entire length (not just an upstream Chinese issue).

[phoenixdoglover]

In late February, the TMD predicted below average rainfall for all regions of Thailand through mid May.

There will be a rainy season. But if it runs at 80% total rainfall (consistent with near term forecasts) those reservoirs may not recover.

Actually the current forecast are for the rainy season to be normal or heavier then normal:

http://asmc.asean.org/asmc-el-nino/

"International climate outlook models and expert assessment suggest that the current El Niño will weaken by the middle of 2016 (Figure D) and La Niña or neutral conditions are likely to occur in the second half of 2016 (Figure E)."

Been two years now of below normal rain, and things are forecasted to get better in seconds half of the tear. Big problem is there is also a chance of more frequent then normal number of typhoons which can cause excessive rainfall even in Thailand.

TH

Correct. Still lots of uncertainty by ENSO.

More direct ref here

https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/enso/march-2016-el-ni%C3%B1o-update-spring-forward

[DeepInTheForest]

True, but the Mekong only skirts Thailand's border for around 400km. The Chao Phraya watershed, which is the largest watershed in Thailand, covers approximately 35% of the nation's interior, and, as none of its tributaries extend beyond Thailand's borders, it is not affected by the flows of the Mekong.

But the Chao Phraya is affected by drought regardless, as mentioned in the article.

The major dams mentioned in the article are located on tributaries of the Chao Phraya-- the Bhumibol dam is on the Ping River, and the Sirikit is on the Nan River.

And we're running out of water.

Not sure if there's a silver lining here.

Having said that, Thailand may see periods of extremely heavy rains as well, due to increased ocean temperatures. That will bring a different problem-- flooding. As we have seen in 2011, the dams do not eliminate the possibility of flooding, and in fact may exacerbate it. That may sound counterintuitive, but when dams approach capacity, and rains keep coming, water must be released in large amounts to prevent dam destabilization and flooding in the area proximal to the dam.

[jamesbrock]

True, but the Mekong only skirts Thailand's border for around 400km. The Chao Phraya watershed, which is the largest watershed in Thailand, covers approximately 35% of the nation's interior, and, as none of its tributaries extend beyond Thailand's borders, it is not affected by the flows of the Mekong.

But the Chao Phraya is affected by drought regardless, as mentioned in the article.

The major dams mentioned in the article are located on tributaries of the Chao Phraya-- the Bhumibol dam is on the Ping River, and the Sirikit is on the Nan River.

And we're running out of water.

Not sure if there's a silver lining here.

Having said that, Thailand may see periods of extremely heavy rains as well, due to increased ocean temperatures. That will bring a different problem-- flooding. As we have seen in 2011, the dams do not eliminate the possibility of flooding, and in fact may exacerbate it. That may sound counterintuitive, but when dams approach capacity, and rains keep coming, water must be released in large amounts to prevent dam destabilization and flooding in the area proximal to the dam.

Yes, I accept and agree with everything you say, my comment was simply addressing your point about the "disappearing glaciers in the Himalayas that feed the Mekong." (I was sure I actually replied to your post)

It certainly is a dire situation, and I share your concern regarding possible floods that—despite promises to the contrary back in 2011-2012—the nation, especially Bangkok, is not in any way prepared for.

[laolover88]

So RID are saying there's 4 to 5 months water left until the dams are dry? Cutting it bit fine?

[GinBoy2]

This is Thailand and 'fact' is a variable commodity.

Within the past week there has been hand wringing over only 1% of usable water in major dams, yesterday there was wailing that there was only 11 days of water left in Khon Kaen....But rest easy in your beds playmates, today is Tuesday, and all is good until July!

...and the truth is? It's almost the X Files..it's out there somewhere