Rural Water Supply System Upgrade Project in Phitsanulok Expands Delivery to 12 Villages

The Irrigation Office, together with municipal and subdistrict administrative organizations in Phitsanulok province, has launched a project to upgrade the water supply system to extend piped water services to 12 rural villages located in remote areas of Mueang and neighboring districts. The project is financed by both provincial funds and the local area development fund and is scheduled for completion within 18 months.

The project was prompted by persistent insecurity of piped water in many communities, where some villages rely on groundwater wells or natural water sources that become contaminated during the rainy and dry seasons. The lack of a proper water management system has affected agriculture, livestock, and residents’ quality of life—particularly the elderly and children. The project focuses on installing medium-diameter distribution pipes, small pumping stations, as well as water storage tanks and basic filtration systems to provide drinking-water quality that meets safety standards.

In addition to network expansion, the project includes training for local technicians and village water committees so communities can maintain the system sustainably. The irrigation agency stated that having trained local personnel will reduce repair response times and long-term costs. Communities will participate in decision-making on water management, in line with community-centered development principles.

If successful, the project is expected to reduce water shortages during the dry season and improve the quality of water used by residents, leading to better community health, less need to purchase water tanks or bottled water, and greater stability for small-scale farming. It is also expected to reduce the burden on women and children who often must travel to distant water sources, freeing up time for education and income-generating activities.

Challenges include budget constraints and technical difficulties in steep or remote terrain that require special system designs, as well as the need for coordination among multiple agencies. The provincial governor and the project oversight committee have promised periodic monitoring of progress and will open the process for public observation and feedback. Briefing meetings with affected communities are planned before construction begins at each site.

For local residents, the National Health Security Office and local public health agencies have provided guidance on water conservation and hygiene to maximize the benefits of the project. In the long term, the water supply upgrade is seen as a foundational investment that will raise quality of life and serve as a key pillar for sustainable economic and social development in rural areas of Phitsanulok.