The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (Abrv: MWA;, ) is a Thai state enterprise under the Ministry of Interior. Its mission is to produce, distribute, and sell treated water in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan, and engage in related businesses synergistic with waterworks.[1]
The MWA began operations on 16 August 1967 under the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority Act B.E. 2510 (1967) to serve potable water to Bangkok, Nonthaburi Province, and Samut Prakan Province.[2]
History
In the reign of King Rama V, when Bangkok had a population of roughly 333,000, the king, returning from his first visit to Europe in 1897, ordered the establishment of a Sanitary Department to provide water to the Bangkok populace. Many still used water from rivers or canals, frequently the source of epidemics. The new department made a survey and dug up a distributary canal of the Chao Phraya River at Sam Lae Sub-district in Pathum Thani Province to the north of Bangkok. Water was drawn though this canal into Bangkok to supply cleaner water.
In 1907, the king made a second visit to Europe. He found that most European countries produced clean, adequate water for their people.