People urged to help conserve water

BANGKOK, Jan 9 (TNA) -- As most parts of Thailand are going to encounter shortage of water during this dry season, Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) governor Thanasak Watanathana has urged people to help conserve water and consume it wisely. Mr Thanasak said no additional rainwater is entering major dams because the country is now experiencing drought now. Official statistics show that only 1,086 million cubic metres of water is left in Thailand’s biggest concrete arch dam, the Bhumibol Dam, which is equivalent to 11 per cent of the total capacity while the Sirikit Dam holds only 1,845 million cubic metres or 28 per cent of the total capacity earlier this week. The drought situation in the country is, therefore, critical, said Mr Thanasak, adding that MWA has since December reduced pumping water from the Chao Phraya River and also lowered tap water pressure from 11pm to 5am daily in an attempt to help conserve tap water. People should help lower consumption of water before the rainy season starts in May so that the country could sail through severe drought situation, he added. (TNA)