Water is rightfully regarded as the most essential element for every living thing on our planet. In fact the signature of H20 is the first thing scientists and astronomers look for when trying to determine whether life might exist on other worlds. Back on Earth we can easily see the difference between where water is abundant such as a rain forest; and a desert like the Sahara where water has disappeared – taking most life with it.

A look at Thailand’s current water situationThailand’s current water management is handled mostly by The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority which controls the supply of water to all areas of the Kingdom, and the Department of Industrial Works which handles control of waste water.

Mr. Thanasak Wattanatana, Deputy Governor (Services), said that the main duties of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority are divided into 3 stages.

1. Explore raw water resources and provide raw water to be used in water works.

2. Produce, deliver, and distribute tap water to areas in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samutprakarn provinces and control the standard of water supply systems in those areas.  

3. Operate other businesses that are essential for water supply and consider benefits for governmental sectors and the population in general.

The MWA is developing technology to examine water distribution and monitor the loss of water in areas that have experienced damaged water lines. The Authority must constantly supervise and repair these ‘lifelines’. Currently they are launching a campaign to encourage entrepreneurs to use tap water in their production process instead of ground water which negatively impacts our ecology. There is also a plan to build an underground tunnel between two sources of raw water and loop them together for a more efficient water delivery system. Another idea is to construct a dam that will block sea water and stop it from polluting raw water sources. These are long term, projects however and require cooperation from all sectors to help protect the availability of clean water in Thailand far into the future.

WATER FOR THE FUTUREISHOW UPDATE

For development of water supplies in the future the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has established a plan to divert water from the upper part of the Chao Phraya River Basin Project and access untreated water from the Chai Nat Dam. The sources of raw water from the Chao Phraya River are currently

declining. But the Chai Nat Dam area has good quality clean water and is geographically suited for the construction of a delivery system in collaboration with the Royal Irrigation Department’s Floodway Project. When completed this will provide a supply of clean water for at least one hundred years.

THAILAND’S WASTE WATER CHALLENGE

As Thailand has developed into an industrial nation the Thai people have enjoyed many benefits – but sometimes at a price. The country’s ‘industrial revolution’ can also give rise to environmental pollution – especially with water from factories. Currently there are more than 100 categories of industrial factories many of which release

waste-water used in bleaching, dyeing, food manufacturing paper processing and other industrial manufacturing projects.

To set standards for waste water treatment the Ministry of Industry together with the Department of Industrial Works have established legislation controlling

water pollution. Industrial factories must report the quality of their waste water by specifying BOD and pH measurements that will identify solids and other substances that are forbidden to be released into the environment. The public sector is also involved here and has entered to help factories monitor waste-water treatment.

CONTROLLING GROWTHWith the creation of the ASEAN Community (AEC) in 2015 Thailand will enjoy many opportunities and benefits. The country is centrally located within the region and has a reliable, skilled workforce which is appreciated by entrepreneurs and manufacturers. Already many hundreds of new business applications have been received ahead of the AEC opening.

Fortunately, under the guidance of HM the King, environmental laws and regulations will be strictly adhered to and protection of water resources is high on the list. Growth is good – but not if allowed to destroy health and home.

If, like most people, you have an interest in our environment and the powerful affect water has on our way of life, you can learn more about this key area by attending

THAI WATER 2013 which will be held at BITEC Exhibition Center in Bangna, Bangkok, from 5 - 8 June. You’ll see the latest advances in pollution control - especially water - and learn how the private sector is working with government to use state-of-the-art technology to ensure that our water is clean, safe and good enough to drink… well into the future!

Mr. Thanasak WattanatanaDeputy Governor (Services),The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority

Mr.Chumpon CheewaprapanuntDeputy Director,Department of Industrial Works