Water infrastructure degradation causes shortages and quality issues in Vietnam

Residents in several regions of Vietnam are facing significant challenges regarding access to clean water due to deteriorating infrastructure. In Quảng Ngãi province, over 100 households in the Phạm Văn Đồng University resettlement area have reported poor water quality for several years. Residents describe the tap water as yellow, murky, and smelling of iron or fish. To ensure safety, many families have been forced to invest in industrial filtration systems or rely on bottled water for drinking.

Similarly, in Nam Ba Đồn commune, Quảng Trị province, hundreds of households struggle with water shortages, particularly during the dry season. The local gravity-fed water supply systems, some of which have been in operation since 2006, have significantly degraded. Damaged pipes and leaks have led to water loss and limited supply, especially for households living in higher or more remote areas. Many residents have resorted to using drilled wells, rainwater, or purchasing water to meet their daily needs.