Culture
Royal Irrigation Department Plans for EEC Data Center Water Needs
Thailand's Royal Irrigation Department is drafting a water management plan to accommodate an estimated 60 million cubic meters of annual water usage by data centers in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
According to Khaosod Online, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is proactively adjusting its water management strategies to support the influx of data center investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). RID Director-General Witthaya Kaewmee stated that while current water supply and demand in the EEC remain balanced, the department is preparing for a projected increase in consumption of approximately 60 million cubic meters per year specifically attributed to new data center operations.
This planning initiative utilizes investment data from the Board of Investment (BOI) to forecast future industrial needs that were not fully accounted for in previous water management plans. Officials emphasized that this figure is a preliminary estimate for future readiness rather than an immediate cause for concern. However, should further investments significantly increase demand, the RID may need to enhance infrastructure to divert more surface water into the system to maintain industrial stability.
For residents and travelers in the region, this development highlights the government's focus on balancing rapid digital infrastructure growth with resource sustainability. While the current water supply is stable, the long-term impact on local water availability remains subject to ongoing analysis. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) is currently collaborating with the RID to evaluate the broader situation, and further assessments are required to determine if additional measures will be necessary for other regions outside the EEC.
