Environment Minister Speeds EM Water Production for Flood Areas
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwat Chomglin ordered the Pollution Control Department to accelerate production of EM water to address polluted water and bad odors in flood‑affected areas. The initiative aims to support local agencies with the mixture for spraying on standing water and waste sites while broader waste and water‑drainage efforts continue. The government said it will coordinate all relevant bodies to ensure recovery returns to normal as quickly as possible.
On October 8, 2026, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwat Chomglin said that, besides the impact of floodwaters, flood-affected areas may also suffer from polluted water and unpleasant odors caused by accumulated waste and sewage. The Ministry is accelerating environmental relief efforts alongside ongoing area restoration.
He added that he has instructed the Pollution Control Department to speed up production of EM (effective microorganisms) water for distribution and support to relevant agencies, to be used to alleviate foul water and bad smells in inundated areas as appropriate, to help reduce the impact on people during the flood situation and post‑flood recovery.
“The government cares about the people. The Ministry will swiftly address environmental impacts in flood‑hit areas with full force, especially the problems of polluted water and nuisance odors. Although these issues arise after the floods, they directly affect people's daily lives, so we must resolve and mitigate them as quickly as possible, coordinating with all relevant agencies to ensure assistance reaches every area and resident, so that recovery proceeds smoothly and conditions return to normal as soon as possible,” Suwat said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Surinthorn Worakitthamrong, Director‑General of the Pollution Control Department, said the department has collected EM water from various agencies to prepare support for flood‑affected areas in need. Local agencies can request assistance directly from the provincial environment and pollution control offices.
Using EM water can help reduce foul odors from the breakdown of organic matter by mixing one part EM with 100 parts water and spraying it on shallow standing water, garbage piles, house walls, and sidewalks where organic decay causes bad smells. Although EM use is an initial measure to curb nuisance odors and a temporary remedy, it should be carried out together with waste management, draining floodwater, and post‑flood environmental restoration to solve the problem systematically.
