Irrigation authorities in Chiang Mai province have accelerated water management measures and the clearing of aquatic weeds along key waterways, bracing for the impact of El Niño, which is expected to bring extended dry spells and hotter temperatures into early next year.
Despite major reservoirs in the northern province remaining over half full and the Ping River flowing through the area, local agencies are taking proactive steps to safeguard water supplies for both domestic consumption and agriculture.
The operation aims to enhance drainage capabilities during heavy rain, while optimising storage capacity ahead of the impending and extended dry spell.
Charnchai Praphanphet, mayor of Mae Soi Sub-district in Chom Thong district, has urged provincial irrigation officials to take urgent action after large amounts of water hyacinth and timber debris accumulated upstream of the Mae Soi Pattana Bridge.
He noted that clearing this critical bottleneck is vital for flood mitigation during the rainy season and for retaining water ahead of the dry season.
Kuakul Manasamphansakul, director of the Chiang Mai Irrigation Project, assured that water levels across the province’s reservoirs remain good but, to mitigate the risks posed by El Niño, officials are focused on storing reserve water and establishing an integrated management plan to prioritise allocation efficiently.
Chiang Mai relies on two major dams, 13 medium-sized reservoirs and 116 small reservoirs.
Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Reservoir, the primary source of water for local consumption and farming, currently stands at around 74% capacity, while Mae Kuang Udom Thara Reservoir holds roughly 65%.
While current levels remain manageable, officials stress that continuous monitoring is crucial to shield residents from the potentially severe impacts of drought.
Nationwide, the Royal Irrigation Department forecasts total water demand for the 2026 rainy season at approximately 32.23 billion cubic metres, with an allocation plan set at 14.95 billion cubic metres.
Current national storage capacity stands at 41.96 billion cubic metres and is projected to reach 57.33 billion cubic metres by Nov 1.
