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Yangel Bin Laden
A recently constructed borewell (groundwater extraction) near the confluence of the Wangchu and Hongtso rivers will help address the seasonal water shortages faced by residents of Thimphu Babesa.
The well was constructed at a cost of N9.285 million.
Water shortage in Babesa is more severe during the lean season as both water sources at Chamgang and Royal Thimphu College dry up.
“The safe flow of water from Motithang, Chamgang and Ngabi Rongchhu sources above Royal Thimphu College has been declining over the years,” said an official from Thromde, Thimphu.
Following this, Thimphuslund is exploring alternative water sources, such as drilling wells, to ensure water supply during the dry season.
The new borehole is connected to a reservoir that supplies water to the Barbesa area.
“The site is ideal for drilling wells as it is easily accessible for machinery and it is located at the lowest point where rivers and streams meet, which helps in natural recharge of groundwater,” Trende officials said.
The official also said the borewell was built at a considerable distance from the Wangchu River, ensuring it was protected from regular minor floods.
The groundwater has been treated and complies with the standards prescribed by the Bhutan Water Quality Standards 2016. The water quality assessment covered key parameters such as pH, turbidity, hardness, conductivity and total coliform levels, all of which were within permissible limits.
Thimphu Thromde plans to construct another borehole on the left side of Babesa, which will benefit the entire Babesa area.
Three wells have been constructed near the flyover in Thromde, Thimphu to supply water to Changbangdu and Changzamtok. A new well will also be constructed at the bottom of Debsi.
These boreholes will provide a reliable water supply during the dry season.
Trend officials said multiple studies have shown groundwater recharge as a potential source of water to supplement existing sources.
According to the National Centre for Hydrometeorology, the average annual rainfall in Thimphu over the past 13 years is 564.64 mm. The 2022 Hydrological Report shows that on average, about 58% of annual precipitation contributes to groundwater recharge, and the increase in annual and summer precipitation is expected to enhance this recharge. Snowfall in Thimphu and nearby mountainous areas also contributes to groundwater recharge.
“These boreholes will be used only during the dry season to ensure groundwater recharge during the summer,” Trend officials said. “During the dry season, when other water sources are insufficient, groundwater will serve as an emergency backup, ensuring long-term sustainability.”
Getting water through boreholes requires the use of electric pumps, but this will not affect the current water tariff. “However, the government will review the operation and maintenance costs over time and adjust the water rates as needed,” said the thromde official.
Under the supervision of the Royal Centre for Disease Control, Thromde, Thimphu will monitor the quality of well water on a daily basis as per the 2016 Drinking Water Quality Standards.
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