Managing Water Resources Efficiently in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor
In a recent episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, Piers Clark had the opportunity to speak with Bordin Udol, the Chief Executive Officer of East Water in Bangkok, Thailand. The discussion centered around East Water’s role in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and the challenges they face in water management.
East Water and the EEC East Water is known as Thailand’s largest raw water supplier, but its mission extends well beyond that. The company positions itself as a comprehensive water solution provider, focusing on long-term water security. The EEC, encompassing three provinces with a significant contribution to Thailand’s GDP, is where East Water operates extensively. This region is a vital economic zone, meaning efficient water management is crucial.
Challenges of Water Management
Bordin shared that one of their significant challenges is climate volatility, marked by the harsh weather patterns that Thailand experiences. The region deals with issues such as heavy rains and droughts, posing considerable hurdles to water resource management. Additionally, seasonal saltwater intrusion into major rivers further complicates the matter by destabilizing water quality. In response, East Water developed a robust water grid, spanning 553 kilometers and connecting to 17 reservoirs. This infrastructure supports the needs of over 6,000 to 7,000 acres of industrial estates.
Tackling Non-Revenue Water
A pressing issue for East Water is managing non-revenue water, a common challenge for utilities worldwide. Bordin emphasized the importance of every drop of water, especially during droughts. Over the years, East Water has substantially reduced water loss in their transmission system from over 3% to around 1.3%, employing advanced technology and operational expertise to achieve these results. One strategy is the proactive approach of detecting and repairing leaks quickly, reducing disruption for customers. By employing hydraulic simulation models, East Water optimizes water levels throughout the day, continuing to push for greater efficiency.
Future Goals and Innovations
East Water’s journey is a testament to the importance of combining technology with operational commitment. Their aim is to lower non-revenue water levels in their distribution system to match global best practices, targeting below the current 16%. By integrating AI and big data analytics, they are identifying “invisible leaks,” thus, underscoring their dedication to continual improvement.
Reflections and Closing Thoughts
Throughout the conversation, Bordin reflected on his journey and the advice he would give his younger self: to remain open to challenges and resilient in the face of them. His story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence and innovative solutions in water management. In conclusion, East Water’s efforts in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor serve as an inspiring model for global water management practices.
As a leader in water utilities, Bordin Udol and his team continue to set benchmarks in sustainability and operational efficiency, ensuring water security that supports economic growth and community welfare.