Finding the best solutions – both scientific and culturally relevant – to improve water sources is the message put forth by the United Nations on World Water Day (March 22) this year.
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World Wildlife Fund (WWF) staff holding a banner with the names of endangered rivers – Photo: Reuters |
Water scarcity, alarming water quality, and a lack of clean water for use are pressing issues faced by many countries around the world, including Vietnam. Currently, only about 60% of urban areas in Vietnam have centralized water supply systems.
The water supply standards for medium and small cities are set at 75-80 liters per person per day, while for large cities, the standard is 100-150 liters per person per day. Approximately 40% of the urban population lacks adequate water supply, and the percentage of rural residents with access to clean water is only between 40-60%.
Nearly all major rivers in Vietnam bear the burden of wastewater from urban and industrial areas. According to monitoring results from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in most major rivers, the BOD5 (the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to oxidize organic matter) and N-NH4 levels exceed standards by 1.5-3 times.
The concentration of suspended solids measured in ponds and major canal systems exceeds the allowable standard A by 1.5-2.5 times. Furthermore, the coliform index (a type of bacteria that causes diarrhea and contraction) in several large rivers also exceeds the permitted levels by 1.5-6 times.
In large urban areas such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue, the system of ponds, canals, and small rivers often serves as the receptacle and transport for wastewater from industrial zones and residential areas. Currently, this system is in a state of severe pollution, exceeding standards by 5-10 times (for water sources meeting standard B). The lakes within the city are facing organic contamination issues.
Meanwhile, groundwater in many coastal areas has become saline. In the Northern Delta and the Mekong Delta, excessive extraction of water has led to a drop in groundwater levels. Many areas show signs of phosphate and arsenic contamination. In Hanoi, the number of wells with phosphate levels exceeding permissible limits accounts for up to 71%.
In a recent meeting, Ho Chi Minh City Chairman Le Thanh Hai stated: “Water is a major issue just as important as electricity, yet we have not given it the attention it deserves. The city’s budget investment in the water sector is still low. Management of the water supply network is not adequate. Therefore, we need to focus on addressing the immediate problem of murky water and develop long-term solutions for this issue.”
THU THẢO
