Bangkok: The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has issued a warning to 11 provinces in the Chao Phraya River basin about a potential rise in water levels by 10-40 cm due to an increase in water discharges, currently at 2,500 cubic meters per second. The department has sought approval from the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC) to adjust the discharge rate further to 2,700 cubic meters per second, which would elevate the river’s water level downstream of the dam.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Irrigation Department reported that the water discharge through the Chao Phraya Dam has increased from 2,400 cubic meters per second to 2,500 cubic meters per second. This adjustment responds to the rising water levels observed at the C.2 water gauge station in Nakhon Sawan Province, with projections indicating a potential increase to 2,700 – 2,900 cubic meters/second.
The RID has received approval from the NWRC to manage and incrementally increase the water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam, ensuring it does not exceed 2,700 cubic meters/second. This strategy aims to maintain the water level above the dam at a maximum of +17.00 meters MSL, thus preventing adverse effects on downstream cultivated areas and communities.
As the water discharge rate rises, low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya River, including Phonangdamok Subdistrict and Ban Tha Sai in Chai Nat Province, as well as regions in Sing Buri, Ang Thong, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provinces, are expected to experience increased water levels by approximately 10-40 centimeters.
Additionally, scattered rainfall continues in the lower Chao Phraya River basin. The RID is directing 400 cubic meters per second into the irrigation system on both sides of the river to mitigate the impact on areas awaiting the rainy season rice harvest.
The current status of the four main dams in the Chao Phraya River Basin-Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwai Noi Bamrung Daen, and Pasak Jolasid-indicates they are at 90 percent of their reservoir capacity. The Sirikit Dam is gradually increasing its water discharge, while Bhumibol Dam has reduced its release. To prevent downstream impacts, total discharges from both dams are limited to 30 million cubic meters per day.
The Pasak Jolasid Dam, operating at 73% capacity, has reduced its water discharge from 500 to 400 cubic meters per second to lower the Pasak River’s water level, expected to drop by 0.8-1.0 meters.
The RID has implemented a proactive water management plan, utilizing irrigation canals to expedite drainage into the Bang Pakong River and coastal canals, ensuring swift discharge into the Gulf of Thailand. The department has deployed water pumps and pushers to full capacity and continues to monitor the situation in cooperation with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and other agencies.
Provinces in the Chao Phraya River basin, including Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok, have been advised to prepare for the situation and closely follow official updates.