Phuket Enters Dry Season with Strongest Water Reserves in Years

Phuket is entering the peak of the dry season with its highest water reserves in recent years, easing concerns about potential shortages ahead of the Songkran festival.

Although temperatures are expected to continue rising in the coming weeks, provincial authorities have reassured residents and businesses that a severe drought is unlikely. According to official statements and data from the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), current water levels remain sufficient to meet demand.

The update was issued on March 24 following a high-level meeting held the previous day at the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) office in Kathu. Phuket Governor Narit Phongsittithaworn chaired the session, where officials assessed water availability and coordinated resource management strategies.

Authorities confirmed that water reserves are adequate to support consumption throughout the peak dry season, while also emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and long-term planning.

Reservoir levels remain stable

As of March 24, all three of Phuket’s main reservoirs were more than half full:

• Bang Wad (Kathu): 5.34 million cubic meters — 52% capacity

• Khlong Kratha (Chalong): 2.49 million cubic meters — 60% capacity

  
  

In total, the island’s water reserves stood at approximately 12 million cubic meters out of a maximum capacity of 21.7 million, or about 55.3%.

This marks a noticeable improvement compared to previous years. On the same date in 2025, reserves were at 9.2 million cubic meters (42.4%), while in 2024 they reached 9.4 million cubic meters (43.5%).

Additional sources and long-term planning

Beyond the main reservoirs, Phuket also relies on supplementary sources such as smaller lakes and groundwater wells. These have been increasingly integrated into the water supply system since the severe droughts of 2018–2019.

Officials noted that unexpected rainfall in March, along with a prolonged low tourist season, helped boost current reserves.

However, long-term solutions remain under consideration. Authorities continue to explore connecting Phuket to external water sources, first from Phang Nga province and later from the Ratchaprapha Dam in Surat Thani, to ensure sustainable supply in the future.