The Dong Nai and Saigon rivers, the main supply of HCM City safe water, are facing more serious pollution.

Dong Nai River seriously polluted

The organic pollution level in the two rivers have doubled, while the ammonia content is 8-10 times higher than permitted levels, while the microorganism content is 5-7 times over regulated levels. This has affected the efficiency water treatment and water plant production costs.

The overall volume and quality of underground water in many areas has also tended to decrease. Underground water levels have dropped by two to three metres.

Le Huu Quang, an official from Saigon Water Corporation (Sawaco), said waste was currently poured from industrial parks in Dong Nai, Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc provinces polluting the Dong Nai and Saigon Rivers.

The HCM City People’s Committee has proposed investors consider building water pipes linking Dau Tieng and Tri An lakes to water processing plants to replace the current water sources from Saigon and Dong Nai rivers.

“We are carrying out a research programme for water resources to replace or assist underground water sources and will invest in an online water quality appraisal centre," Quang added.

The corporation has also got approval to develop a plan to adapt to water quality changes.