Bangkok: Pollution Control Department reveals flooding in the South has affected three wastewater treatment plants, and is working to restore water quality.
According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General of the Pollution Control Department disclosed that the recent flooding in southern regions has impacted three wastewater treatment systems. Water quality inspections at 11 sites showed that the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels fell below the standard. Although waste disposal sites remain operational, there are delays in waste transportation in certain areas. Songkhla Province faces significant challenges, with over 8,000 tons of waste accumulated. Efforts are underway to speed up the production and distribution of bio-fermented odor-reducing liquids.
Mr. Surin Worakithamrong, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), stated that persistent heavy rains have affected nine southern provinces, from Surat Thani down to Narathiwat, with Songkhla Province being particularly impacted. The PCD is actively monitoring the environmental situation, focusing on the effects on community waste management and wastewater treatment systems.
Monitoring efforts by the Pollution Control Department revealed that despite the flooding, all waste disposal sites in affected areas are functioning normally and have not suffered structural damage. However, there are challenges in transporting waste to these sites. Among the 23 community wastewater treatment systems, three have been affected: Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla Municipality, and Yala Municipality. Officials from the Pollution Control Department are working with local authorities to evaluate the damage and expedite repairs to restore these systems.
On December 1, 2025, an inspection by the Pollution Control Office 16 (PCO 16) of water quality at key water sources in Songkhla Province, including Songkhla Lake and several canals, revealed that dissolved oxygen (DO) values ranged from 0.0 to 4.2 milligrams per liter, indicating deteriorated to fair water quality.
Turbidity values varied from 0.61 to 53.7 NTU, influenced by flood conditions that introduce sediment into the water sources. However, pH, conductivity, and salinity values remain within normal limits.
The Pollution Control Department Region 16 has collected further water samples for laboratory analysis to check for organic matter, total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform bacteria, and ammonia nitrogen, aiming for a comprehensive water quality assessment and planning future rehabilitation efforts.
Concerning post-flood waste management, the PCD reported that as of December 1, 2025, a total of 8,001 tons of waste had been collected from municipal areas in Songkhla Province. This included 1,684 tons from Songkhla City Municipality, 4,650 tons from Hat Yai City Municipality’s waste collection point, 527 tons from TPI Power Plant, 1,299 tons from Ban Phru Municipality, and 368 tons from Sadao Municipality.