AMIDST high summer temperatures Krabi is struggling with a freshwater crisis as there is now no tap water available on Phi Phi islands while this only flows on alternate days in some other areas of this southern province, Thai Rath newspaper said this afternoon (Mar. 25).
The Royal Rainmaking Unit at Krabi Airport started flying planes twice a day for cloud seeding since Tuesday (Apr. 23) but as yet there has been no rain in the targeted areas.
The freshwater shortage intensified today with Waterhill Company, which owns a reservoir for production and distribution of tap water at Phi Phi islands, having on Tuesday (Apr. 23) issued a notice to all customers suspending the service because the raw water has reached the very bottom of the basin.
Many other areas of Krabi are facing serious freshwater shortage with even Mueang Krabi not spared. The Provincial Waterworks Authority announced that there is now not enough raw water for tap water production leading to taps only flowing on alternate days.
The Phi Phi island reservoir, which is now dry and not supplying water for the third day today, is spread across five rai of land while that of the Royal Irrigation Department and under the supervision of the subdistrict administration organisation covers three rai but also in similar condition.
Residents and small businesses that do not have their own artesian well or source of water have to buy water at a high price costing 150-200 a cubic metre.
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The Phi Phi island reservoir is now almost completely dry. Photo: Thai Rath
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