Thai paradise Koh Samui has less than 30 days of fresh water left. Tourists are to blame too

Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink!

While tourists are flocking to the idyllic island of Koh Samui in Thailand, the island itself is running out of drinking water. A severe water shortage in the island has caused taps to run dry for extended periods.

Faced with the delicate balance of sustaining tourism while ensuring the island does not transform into a "disaster zone", authorities in Koh Samui are diligently addressing the pressing issue, as per The Guardian. 

What

• With limited rainfall and increased visitor numbers, the island is striving to ensure a secure water supply, making conservation efforts crucial for sustainability.
• The island's Deputy Mayor, Sutham Samthong, urged residents and tourists alike to use water sparingly. 

Why

The El Niño phenomenon, a climate pattern that happens when the waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean get unusually warm, adds to the island's drinking-water concerns in the coming months. 

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Impact on locals

Those with abundant source of water now bear visible signs of depletion, worsening the overall situation.

• The freshwater crisis in Koh Samui has taken a toll on numerous water reserves, such as the Phru Na Mueang and Phru Krajud reservoirs, as well as the majestic Hin Lard waterfall. 
• Local estimate that the available water supply will only last for the next 30 days.

• As the water scarcity intensifies, even the resorts in this holiday destination find themselves grappling with dwindling water reserves. 
• The island is witnessing a decline in visitors, adding to the challenges faced by the local community.

Jutharath, an employee at a massage centre in Bo Phut, told The Guardian that for the past three months, taps have trickled with water only once or twice a week. 

"There was a time when it was gone; no water coming out at all for the whole week," she said.

• She has resorted to purchasing water from pick-up trucks and conserving supplies in a small pool.
• Her neighbour had to walk to a nearby temple solely to access bathroom facilities due to the lack of water.

Such extreme measures highlight the severity of the shortage, an unprecedented situation that Jutharath had never encountered before.

Known for its stunning beaches, trekking spots, and jungle safaris, Koh Samui attracts approximately 2.7 million visitors annually.

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