Thais urged to conserve water due to lower rainfall

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has urged everyone to conserve water, as recent rainfall has been concentrated downstream of major dams.

The Cabinet recently approved measures developed by the ministry to deal with the water shortage. Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperatives Teerapat Prayoonsit revealed that Thailand received only six billion cubic meters of rainwater last year, falling short of the annual average of 10 billion cubic meters.

Most of the recent rainfall has taken place over low-lying areas where there are no dams. Therefore, rainwater could not retained and eventually flowed out to sea.

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has estimated that there is currently 3,700 cubic meters of water for domestic consumption and ecosystems.

This water will also be used to prevent saltwater intrusion. Dams will only provide water to irrigate farmlands when officials deem there is enough water for agricultural use.

NNT

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