VietNamNet Bridge - Favored by nature, possessing many rivers and streams, Vietnamese still lack water because of mismanagement, an issue related to the message of the UN’s World Day for Water which was celebrated on March 22.

Vietnam is listed among the countries rich in water natural resources.

There are 3,450 rivers and streams in Vietnamese territories with 108 river basins, including 13 large rivers. 

The average rainfall is about 1,940-1,960 mm a year, equivalent to the total annual flow of 830-840 billion cubic meters. The total underground water reserves are estimated at 63 billion cubic meters per annum. 

However, Vietnamese still lack water, especially in the dry season. Drought attacks the river basins in the central region, Central Highlands, northern mountainous areas and the Mekong River Delta.

Phuoc Trung Commune in Ninh Thuan Province’s Bac Ai District lacks water due to prolonged drought. Clean water for daily use is scarce. Local residents now must live on clean water carried from other localities, bought with money propped up by the provincial authorities. 

However, they receive 25 cubic meters of clean water a day, just enough for cooking and drinking. The water for bathing and other activities is taken from polluted wells, streams and ponds. And they seriously lack water for irrigation.

Water reservoirs

Hoarding water in reservoirs to balance supply and demand in rainy and dry seasons is believed to be the best solution. 

This is why nearly 7,000 water reservoirs, large and small, have been set up, especially in the upper courses of rivers. 

Vietnam also has 2,900 hydropower reservoirs with a total capacity of 65 billion cubic meters, which can also help regulate water output.

However, the large network of nearly 1,000 water reservoirs designed to serve many purposes, from containing water to protecting biodiversity and environment, is not enough.

A report shows that the system of biological natural and artificial reservoirs throughout the country are falling apart and becoming polluted because of caged-fish farming and deposits.

Many irrigation and hydropower reservoirs were built dozens of years ago, but operation procedures have not been created. As a result, the reservoirs cannot fulfill function of providing water when necessary.

Hanoi, for example, has 130 reservoirs, built many years ago. However, there are not enough documents about the reservoirs’ design and monitoring system. As the reservoirs do not receive appropriate care, they have deteriorated.

Phuoc Trung’s residents now are trying to dig ponds in the low-lying fields far from residential quarters to get water for bathing and washing, as all the streams are depleted. However, they don’t have high hopes for the ponds.

Dai Doan Ket