BANGKOK, 5 July 2015 – The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) Governor has confirmed the overall water condition still falls within the standard suitable for the production of tap water. The state enterprise is considering reducing water rates to help farmers who have been affected by sea water intrusion.
MWA Governor Thanasak Watanathana noted that currently the saltwater has moved deeper inland, and have at some point intruded into the Chao Phraya River to the Sum Lae pumping station in Pathum Thani province where raw water is distributed to the MWA for tap water production.
He said that despite the higher sea water level, the overall water quality is still acceptable for use in tap water production. Moreover, the Chao Phraya River is now receiving fresh water from the Bhumibol, Sirikit, and Pasak dams at the combined amount of more than 700 million cubic meters per day.
He stated that there were no prospects for the water to turn brackish for the next 30 days. And after that period, more rain is expected from the royal rainmaking operations.
For farmers in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan who have been affected by sea water intrusion which prevents them from using the water from Chao Phraya River for cultivation due to the unusual level of salinity, the MWA Governor said that the MWA would offer them a discount in water fee at 8.50 baht per liter for the first 50 liters, and 10.50 baht for every liter exceeding that volume. So far 570 farmers have registered for the discount.
The MWA Governor also thanked the government and related sectors which have campaigned for the reduction of rice farming this year, and the farmers who have cooperated in water conservation.
