Solar Water System Helps Wang Nam Khiao Farmers Cut Costs
A solar-powered water system installed at Wang Nam Khiao Sufficiency Economy Community in Nakhon Ratchasima helps farmers reduce electricity costs while securing reliable water access during droughts. The automated system uses floats and gr
The Department of Water Resources inspected a solar-powered water distribution system at the Wang Nam Khiao Sufficiency Economy Community in Nakhon Ratchasima province to help farmers reduce costs and ensure adequate water access while preparing for future droughts. On July 24, Pongspathorn Semorkham, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Water Resources, led a team to assess progress on the solar-powered water distribution system. The project originated from residents' need for agricultural and household water. The Department of Water Resources Office 5 surveyed community readiness and water sources, then designed an automated solar-powered pumping system using floats to control water levels. Water is pumped into storage tanks and then into elevated distribution towers (champagne tanks), where gravity feeds water to agricultural and household areas, significantly reducing electricity costs for farmers.
Semorkham stated that the Wang Nam Khiao Sufficiency Economy Community exemplifies a strong model project because communities participated in planning, water-sharing schedules, and system maintenance, creating a sense of ownership and ensuring sustainable operations. Meanwhile, the Department of Water Resources is preparing for droughts and climate change by evaluating water source capacity, coordinating appropriate water allocation with communities, and identifying additional water sources to meet potential future demand.
