Over recent days, water levels of the Vu Gia and Yen rivers upstream of the An Trach Dam have been very low.

As a result, water sources have not been enough to ensure the smooth operation of Da Nang-based pumping stations, whilst salinity levels of the Cam Le River at the Cau Do (Red Bridge) Water Supply Plant’s raw water intake gates have been increased significantly. In particular, at noon on 1 March, the highest salinity level recorded at these gates has been 2,215 mg/l, seven times higher than the allowed limits.

The main reason for causing low water levels in the Vu Gia and Yen rivers is thought to be that hydropower reservoirs on the upstream of the Vu Gia River reduced the volume of water discharged into the Vu Gia River on 27 and 28 February.

Additionally, water regulation gates at the mouth of the Quang Hue River, along with both riverbanks, have suffered severe damage due to the impact of devastating floods late last year. This has resulted in a large volume of water flowing into the Thu Bon River from the Vu Gia River.

In its effort to solve this problem, the Da Nang Water Supply Company (DAWACO) has taken the initiative to source water from the An Trach Dam to ensure the delivery of adequate tap water for homes and businesess across the city.

By HOANG HIEP – Translated by M.D