The northeastern province of Khon Kaen is facing water shortages expected to last well into next year as it suffers under the most severe drought in 20 years, governor Kamthorn Thawornsathit said on Thursday.
Mr Kamthorn said the Ubolrat Dam reservoir is now at only 27% of capacity as it has received a very small inflow of rainwater compared to previous years. The highest inflow was only 10 million cubic metres on Oct 7.
"This is an indication that we will certainly experience a serious water shortage in 2016," said the governor.
Mr Kamthorn's remarks came after chairing a joint meeting of the Khon Kaen water management committee and the committee for the management of water in the Nam Chi and Nam Phong rivers basin, which covers Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin and Roi Et provinces.
In this dire situation it is essential that Khon Kaen effectively manage its water supplies to ensure sufficient to last at least until May next year, he said.
He said the Nong Wai irrigation project could supply sufficient water for the 20152016 annual rice crop, but there is not enough to supply offseason crops.
Therefore, farmers will be asked to definitely not grow offseason crops and also not to raise fish in cages to reduce water pollution.
"We will also coordinate with the waterworks authority to determine just how much water is needed for tap water production, for more effective management," Mr Kamthorn said.
The governor said the provincial authority had instructed all local administrations to pump water from the Nam Chi and Nam Phong rivers during this period and save it in public water retention areas for use. After that pumping of water from the two rivers will be prohibited.