The move follows the Meteorological Department’s announcement marking the start of this year’s dry season.
Mayor Suppachoke Laongphet said the municipality has put measures in place to manage raw water sources and maintain continuous tap water service for residents throughout the drought period. He also urged the public to conserve water.
“We request the cooperation of the public to use water sparingly and efficiently. Please check for leaks in water pipes and report any breakages to the Water Supply Division,” he said.
According to the municipality, there are currently 21,772 registered water users, comprising 18,588 users within the municipal area and 3,184 users outside it.
Raw water reserves currently stand at about 80% of total reservoir capacity. Data as of Feb 25 show the following remaining volumes:
- Bang Wad Reservoir: 6,970,000 cubic metres
- Municipal reservoir: 811,686 cubic metres
- Suan Luang Park reservoirs (1 and 2): 230,426 cubic metres
- Vachira Phuket Hospital reservoir: 146,029 cubic metres
- Soi Pha-niang reservoir: 220,000 cubic metres
- Aquaflow Co Ltd. reservoir: 800,000 cubic metres
In addition, the municipality receives raw water support from the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization and the private owner of the Thai Village reservoir, providing an additional reserve of about 700,000 cubic metres.
The municipal water treatment system consists of the mine water treatment system, several small-scale treatment plants and the Suan Luang Park (King Rama IX Park) treatment facility, along with water purchased from private suppliers. Combined production capacity is approximately 30,000 cubic metres per day, with systems able to interconnect and share supply if needed.
However, Mayor Suppachoke warned that if raw water levels do not increase, the municipality may have to reduce tap water production. This would involve lowering water pressure across the system, potentially resulting in weak or no water supply in some areas during two scheduled periods: 10am-4pm and 10pm-4am.
Once water levels recover, pressure will be restored as soon as possible, he said.
To assist residents in affected areas, the municipality has designated water distribution points at the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office on Krathong Road, the well on Damrong Road near Phuket Women’s School, the well on Komarapat Road, and the well at King Rama IX Park. Water tanks with a capacity of 2,000 litres have also been prepared for deployment in drought-hit communities.
Residents can report leaks or request assistance by contacting the Water Supply Division of Phuket City Municipality at 076-212196 ext 0, 24 hours a day.