Pathum Thani officials use EM balls to tackle worsening canal water

Pathum Thani officials have taken action to address deteriorating water quality in an irrigation canal due to floodwater drainage causing the water to turn black and emit a foul odor. Dr. Wirasak Hadda, president of the Khlong Sam Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, joined officials from the Public Health and Environment Division, community leaders and environmental volunteers in introducing EM balls into Irrigation Canal 3 near Wat Kerd Kaeo Udom.

These EM balls are utilized to prevent and treat wastewater in areas where the water has turned black and developed a foul smell.

Officials intend to distribute EM balls across Khlong Sam to tackle areas where water quality has deteriorated. Additionally, aeration machines are being installed and operated to enhance oxygen levels in the water. Dr. Wirasak explained that the water situation worsened after Khlong Sam SAO pumped water from Khlong Sam into Khlong Rapi Phat and further into Khlong Rangsit.

This led the canals' water to turn black and emit a sewage-like odor. The problem is believed to be partially due to untreated wastewater discharged from residential communities attempting to drain water rapidly to cope with flooding, which further degrades water quality.

To mitigate the issue, Dr. Wirasak instructed the Welfare Division and relevant authorities to collect evidence of residents' losses, including photographs, house registration documents, and identity cards. Once residents register through the government system, compensation should be allocated swiftly. Dr. Wirasak also proposed establishing a direct channel for residents to report problems or obstacles with compensation applications, aiming to expedite the process and reduce the need for back-and-forth between government agencies and local authorities.

The Khlong Sam SAO will continue visiting communities to gather evidence of residents' losses. Dr. Wirasak urged government agencies to expedite compensation payments for flood-affected individuals, stating that once an area is declared a disaster zone, the government should be able to provide assistance without residents having to prepare extensive documentation.

He praised the government's insurance-related payment scheme slated to begin on October 2, and suggested applying the same approach to flood relief, allowing residents to submit information through an appropriate channel before government agencies review and approve compensation. He also advocated for Pathum Thani province to consider Khlong Sam as the first area to receive flood assistance.