Stable water supplies: The basis of sustainable socio-economic growth Water is the origin of all life. It is the basis of national development. We use water to drink, in our day-to-day activities, recreation, irrigation, care of ecosystems and in manufacturing processes. Our use of water is likely to continue to rise and as a result systematic water management is more necessary now than ever before, to ensure that the needs of all sectors of society are met.
For the eastern region of Thailand, one private organization playing an important role in the management and development of water resources is Eastern Water Resources Development and Management Public Company Limited or East Water, which was established by the Provincial Water Authority (PWA) through a cabinet resolution to develop the primary raw water transmission systems in the Eastern Seaboard region and to support growth of the Eastern Seaboard scheme in collaboration with the government sector. The company collaborates with the Irrigation Department, which develops and supplies water resources for all sectors equitably, and the Provincial Water Authority, which supplies treated water to consumers. The private sector has seen its role in boosting the capacity of water management in the region expand, developing water infrastructure quickly and systematically, and helping reduce reliance on public investment budgets. With expertise and experience of over 20 years, East Water is the first and only operator in Thailand to provide stable water supplies throughout the eastern region. The company’s pipeline network of more than 378 km links up the water reserves of the company with major water sources in three eastern provinces, from
the Bangpakong River In Chachoengsao, Bangphra Reservoir and Nong Kho Reservoir in Chonburi, to the Dok Krai Reservoir, Nong Plai Lai Reservoir, Klong Yai Reservoir and Phra Sae Reservoir in Rayong. The water grid is considered to be the first and most complete in Thailand, which enables water to be transferred from areas with plentiful supplies to zones where water is scarce, leading to greater efficiency and value in managing the allocated water resources. The aim of East Water is to develop a comprehensive network of water pipelines in the three provinces of Rayong, Chonburi and Chachoengsao, focusing on equality of supplies. The Community Water Supply Project, established to benefit communities living along route of the water pipelines, is the starting point of the company’s drive to return benefits to local communities using its expertise in the management of a water distribution systems and community water systems. “Creating a stable water supply system for sustainable social growth” is East Water’s commitment to help build stronger communities. The Community Water Supply Project has been initiated to increase access to clean water sources in the country. The project will involve evaluation and renovation of community water supply systems as well as providing know-how to community members on water process management, training in water system maintenance to ensure adequate quality standards and demand are met, and ultimately the management and maintenance of their own water supply system. “Water” : a fundamental resource for all life “Water” : a fundamental resource for socio-economic development “Water” : a fundamental resource owned by every one and that everyone must maintain “Water” : does not last forever, Use it with care and understand its value. “East Water: For life, for economy, for society”