Bangkok: The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) is ready to address the influx of turbid water from northern Thailand, which has been experiencing high levels of turbidity due to recent flash floods. The MWA has taken steps to manage water quality and prevent flooding at the Samlae raw water pumping station, and the public is urged to conserve water as the situation may lead to reduced production and distribution.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Suwara Thawichasri, Governor of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA), stated that flash floods have caused significant damage across several provinces in northern Thailand. On October 3rd, the Nan River in Phitsanulok Province recorded a turbidity level of 4,980 NTU. The turbid water is expected to reach the MWA's Samlae raw water pumping station in Pathum Thani Province between October 8th and 10th, 2025, with turbidity levels anticipated to decrease to around 1,500 NTU by that time.
Ms. Suwara also mentioned that the MWA is preparing for changes in water volume due to increased discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam, reaching 2,700-2,900 cubic meters per second. The MWA is closely monitoring the situation with relevant agencies and has implemented flood prevention measures at the Samlae raw water pumping station, including the installation of stoplogs and the use of sandbags and pumps. Water quality has been continuously monitored in Nakhon Sawan and Chainat provinces since July, and all MWA water treatment plants are equipped with necessary chemicals and machinery to mitigate impacts on tap water quality. If water reaching the Bang Khen water treatment plant has turbidity levels exceeding 1,000 NTU, the MWA may need to reduce production and water pumping at several plants that source water from the Chao Phraya River. The public will be informed in advance, and cooperation in water conservation is requested. Residents in western Bangkok and Nonthaburi, supplied by the Mahasawat Water Product ion Plant, are not expected to be affected by these issues.