Hanoi used to be surrounded by attractive rivers, but now heavy pollution has seriously threatened river life.

Sewage from hospitals and factories are currently poured into the To Lich, Kim Nguu, Set, Lu and Nhue rivers.

Up to 650,000 cubic metres of wastewater in Hanoi's inner-city areas is discharged directly into rivers and lakes a day while there are only three wastewater treatment plants in with a total capacity of over 206,000 cubic metres per day.

According to a report by Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Limited Company, Hanoi's inner-city areas have 119 lakes, including 72 polluted lakes which need to be dealt with in the fourth quarter of this year.

Hanoi authorities have tested a special product from Germany to clean water in some polluted lakes such as Giap Bat, Ho Me and Ba Mau with positive results.

The city will use the chemical for treated local polluted lakes.

The section of To Lich River at Ta Thanh Oai area in Thanh Tri District

Despite being dredged frequently, To Lich River sections running through Kim Giang area in Thanh Xuan District always have bad smell 

Wastewater drains pouring into To Lich River

A seriously polluted section of Kim Nguu River near Minh Khai Street

A board calling people not to throw rubbish into Kim Nguu River 

The intersection between To Lich and Nhue rivers  

Nhue River

Nhue River after untreated wastewater 

A section of Set River running along Truong Dinh Street

Waste on the bank of Set River 

Lu River

Dtinews