The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) yesterday said it will supply groundwater to villagers in the kingdom's Northeast if they are hit hard by the upcoming drought season in April.
Somkiat Prajamwong, secretary-general of the ONWR, said its groundwater delivery scheme is prepared to deal with the rise of demand for water, especially in the northeastern region, where severe drought is expected.
Under the plan, the authority would set up distribution stations where villagers can come and pick up water taken from aquifers.
"The authority has not declared the northeastern region as a drought disaster zone for now," Mr Somkiat said. "Yet, we're keeping our eyes on 430 tambons under 75 districts in 11 provinces in the region."
"We need to prepare the water supply for villagers in advance," he added.
Among the 11 provinces, Chaiyahum, Maha Sarakham and Kalasin, located near the Chi River Basin, are likely to be hit the hardest.
Mr Somkiat said the groundwater distribution initiative was ordered by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy Prawit Wongsuwon, who is director of the ONWR.
For now, the Department of Groundwater Resources is operating 25 groundwater stations along major roads.
The total amount of groundwater the stations provide is about one million cubic metres per year.
The ONWR has completed the construction of 937 wells in the Northeast, which could add 14 million cubic metres of water. It plans to construct 185 underground wells next year.
The office is conducting a feasibility study to develop another 279 water resources countrywide, particularly in the northeastern region, to supply 12 million m³ annually to 189,210 households.
Areas around the Chi River Basin will be prioritised.
