Pran Buri Reservoir falls to 22% capacity
Pran Buri Reservoir is at just 22.75 percent of capacity, with officials warning that the available water supply is significantly lower than at the same time last year.
Irrigation Office 14 in Prachuap Khiri Khan said the reservoir held 68.97 million cubic metres of water as of 1 May. The reservoir has a total capacity of 391 million cubic metres.
Mr Noraset Songthong, Director of Irrigation Office 14, said on 6 May that the current level was considered low and required close management.
At the same point in 2025, Pran Buri Reservoir held about 129.02 million cubic metres of water, or 33.05 percent of capacity. Officials said the figures showed a clear reduction in available water this year.
For comparison, the reservoir level fell to around 18 percent in 2023, during another period of drought concern in the area.
Water inflow also remains well below average. Since the start of the year, only 3.94 million cubic metres of water has flowed into the reservoir, compared with an average of about 30.33 million cubic metres.
Low rainfall puts pressure on Pran Buri Reservoir
Irrigation officials said meteorological data suggested rainfall this year could be below normal, with a risk of dry spells.
They also warned that the influence of El Niño could delay rainfall and reduce the amount of rain, which may further affect water inflow into the reservoir.
As a result, Irrigation Office 14 has adjusted its water management plan for the coming months.
The office has reduced the amount of water being supplied for agriculture from May to August 2026.
Officials said water supply had not been completely suspended. Instead, the reduction is intended to preserve the remaining water supply and reduce the risk of shortages later in the year.
After the adjustment, the reservoir is expected to have about 69.05 million cubic metres of water remaining. By the end of 2026, officials forecast the reservoir could hold around 103.34 million cubic metres, or about 26 percent of capacity.
Household water use given priority
Irrigation Office 14 said water for household consumption and general public use would be given top priority.
Other priorities include maintaining the ecosystem and supporting essential water use, in line with the Water Resources Act B.E. 2561.
Relevant agencies have prepared staff, water pumps and water trucks to assist areas at risk of water shortages. Officials said they would continue to monitor the situation closely.
Residents and farmers have been asked to use water sparingly, reduce unnecessary water use, check for leaks in water systems and follow updates from government agencies.
Image: Pranburi Dam. File photo. For illustrative purposes only.
