Surin Waterworks Fixes Muddy, Smelly Tap Water After Complaints
Surin Waterworks restored tap water quality after high manganese and heavy rainfall caused odor and discoloration, with normal supply expected within three days.
Surin's Provincial Waterworks Authority rushed to resolve murky, foul-smelling tap water after residents complained online. A Facebook user posted photos of severe rashes and itchy bumps covering their body, claiming a serious water allergy, sparking concern among local water users. The Provincial Ombudsman Center coordinated with the Regional Waterworks Branch in Surin for clarification, though no confirmed link between the skin symptoms and water quality has been established.
Reporters visited the raw water pumping station at Huay Senang Reservoir, the source for tap water production, where staff were urgently repairing the pumping system before showing the filtration process. Regional Waterworks Office 8 Director Songphon Phanaleekul disclosed the preliminary cause was high manganese levels combined with sudden raw water quality changes after heavier-than-normal rainfall washed organic matter and weeds into the source. Officials adjusted pump intake levels to avoid affected water layers and retested quality, confirming results have returned to normal standards. Water can now be supplied to the system, though some residual water may retain odor, prompting accelerated flushing with normalcy expected within three days. Four water trucks have been deployed to serve residents free of charge.
Branch Manager Maitri Khetta expressed regret and apologized to affected residents, confirming staff are rushing to fully resolve remaining issues within three days. Residents experiencing ongoing odor or abnormalities can contact the Surin Regional Waterworks Branch with their name, address, and phone number for home inspection. Compensation guidelines for those affected are under review by supervisors.
