Phuket faces further wastewater problems

Wastewater has affected a canal in Phuket, Thailand, and threatened the beach area, resulting in damage to the tourism industry. The Phuket Gazette reports that Bang Tao beach is now being affected by wastewater that has been released into a canal, causing it to turn black.

The area has had issues over the last few months with wastewater dumping. Hotels were earlier this month (April) faced with closure if they were found guilty of illegally discharging wastewater into the canal in the area. Steps have been taken in an effort to reduce water pollution that can damage the environment and affect the level of tourism to the beach, which is an important factor for the income of many residents in the area.

Previously the dirty canal water was not affecting the beach, allowing tourists to continue swimming there. Unfortunately, a recent change in weather has meant that the black water has started to flow onto the beach, affecting water quality in a popular area, causing tourists to bathe at Layan Beach instead.

The site was inspected by Governor Maitro Inthusut earlier this month (April 12th), at which time the polluted canal was not impacting the quality of the tourist beach. In the days before this inspection, it was found that Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) readings on the canal were around five times above normal readings.

Short term solutions are going to be put in place, according to the governor, however, the wastewater plant that was scheduled to be completed at some time in 2015 has now been stalled. According to the president of Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor), Ma-ann Samran, the project is currently only 30 per cent complete. Construction has been forced to stop due to the fact that the cost of living in the area is too high, forcing many of the staff to return to their homes.   

It looks as though Phuket may be struggling with wastewater for a while longer, which stands to impact tourism and local trade.