Koh Samui Faces Water Shortage as Authority Staggered Supply
Koh Samui's Regional Waterworks Authority implemented staggered water supplies starting August 3rd after drought reduced daily output to 16,000 cubic meters against demand of 34,000, forcing residents and tourism businesses to purchase cost
The Koh Samui branch of the Regional Waterworks Authority (RWA) has implemented a seven-day rotating water supply system starting August 3rd in response to an ongoing drought that has sharply reduced raw water supplies. The island's water production capacity is now limited to approximately 16,000 cubic meters per day from the pipeline system connecting to the mainland, while average demand stands at 34,000 cubic meters daily, creating a shortfall of 18,000 cubic meters per day.
The RWA has divided the island into two water supply zones—yellow and red-green—with rotating service schedules throughout the seven-day cycle. Residents are being asked to store water for days when their zone receives no supply and to use water conservatively.
The shortage is affecting communities across the island, with some neighborhoods experiencing weak or intermittent water flow for extended periods, disrupting daily consumption, cooking, and sanitation. Households are facing additional costs from purchasing water from private tanker trucks. Tourism businesses including restaurants, hotels, resorts, and tour operators are also suffering from increased expenses for securing backup water supplies. Many stakeholders worry that prolonged shortages could damage tourist confidence and harm Koh Samui's reputation as an international destination.
