Metropolitan Water Authority

Who knew access to clean water could be a royal affair? Right here at the Metropolitan Water Authority (MWA), the story of Bangkok’s clean water supply begins with a king. King Rama V, after his first European trip in 1897, saw the stark difference between European sanitation and Bangkok’s reliance on often-contaminated rivers and canals. He immediately ordered the creation of the Sanitary Department. This department, a precursor to the MWA, began by diverting cleaner water from a Chao Phraya River canal. The Metropolitan Water Authority officially began operations much later, on August 16, 1967. However, the foundation laid by King Rama V shaped its mission: to provide potable water to Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan. King Rama V’s second European trip further solidified his commitment to clean water. He then hired French experts to design a modern water supply system for Bangkok. This led to the establishment of the “Bangkok Waterworks” in 1914, complete with a water treatment plant in the Sam Sen Sub-district and underground pipes distributing water throughout Bangkok. The Metropolitan Water Authority continues this legacy today. The MWA draws raw water from the Chao Phraya River and the Mae Klong Dam. It treats this water at four plants: Bang Khen, Sam Sen, Thonburi, and Maha Sawat. The MWA serves over two million customers through an extensive network of water pipes. It’s a far cry from the days of public water spigots, a testament to the royal vision that prioritized clean water for all.