BANGKOK, 2 April 2013 (NNT) - The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has revealed that the water volumes in major dams in Thailand are continuously declining while farmers and Thai people are encouraged to use water sparingly.
According to the RID’s Water Watch and Monitoring System for Warning Center, there is currently only 15% and 12% of water for domestic consumption and ecological preservation in Bhumibol and Sirikit Dams respectively. As the water levels in these reservoirs are declining, rivers and canals downstream are also at risk of running dry.
To ease the drought crisis, the RID is maintaining the levels of water above Chao Phraya Dam at no less than 14 meters above the mean sea level. Rice farmers have also been told to refrain from growing off-season rice to preserve the water.
Riverside residents are advised to regularly monitor the water level in the Chao Phraya River as a rapid decrease could lead to soil erosion. Those running floating restaurants or fish farms in the river are also encouraged to prepare preventative measures against possible losses.