The governor revealed that Phuket's raw water supply will last only 100 days. The Southern Meteorological Center for the west coast forecasts that rain will start around 20 April, no later than 1 May.
On 23 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Governor of Phuket, chaired a meeting to monitor the water situation and discuss water supply management strategies to prepare for the dry season at the Provincial Waterworks Authority office in Kathu District, Phuket. Attendees included Mr. Narong On-in, Head of Phuket Provincial Office; Mrs. Nuchnapa Pinthong, Manager of the Provincial Waterworks Authority Phuket branch; Mr. Wirot Luecharoensap, Director of the Southern Meteorological Center for the west coast; representatives from Phuket Irrigation Office and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, along with other relevant public and private sector agencies.
The meeting noted that Phuket faces limitations in water sources because it is an island with steep mountains, which restricts natural water retention. Most rainfall runs off quickly into the sea, causing floods in the rainy season and water shortages in the dry season. Additionally, growth in tourism and construction sectors has continuously increased water demand.
However, Phuket can currently manage its water supply. The three reservoirs hold about 12 million cubic meters of water, or 52% capacity, enough to supply water for approximately 100 days, until late June if no additional rain falls. The situation is expected to improve as seasonal rains are forecast to replenish water sources.
The Southern Meteorological Center for the west coast predicts that rain will begin around 20 April and no later than 1 May. This will help replenish reservoirs and water production systems, gradually easing the overall water situation.
Regarding water production, the Provincial Waterworks Authority Phuket branch currently produces about 126,720 cubic meters of water daily from eight water treatment plants.
Additionally, water security is reinforced by receiving about 100,000 cubic meters per day from irrigation sources, combined with water purchases from the private sector and community-level water management to increase reserve supplies and meet demand during the dry season.
The Phuket governor has tasked all agencies to develop an integrated water data system to closely monitor and manage the situation. He also ordered local administrative organizations to survey and compile data on water production capacity and private water sources to strengthen management capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Phuket Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has prepared emergency plans by surveying over 2,647 groundwater and shallow wells as backup water sources in case of a crisis.
The meeting also reviewed progress on key projects such as the Phang Nga–Phuket water supply expansion and studies on using water from Ratchaprapha Dam to enhance long-term water security. Discussions with the private sector were held to develop sustainable solutions to water challenges.