VietNamNet Bridge – Ha Noi could be hit by water shortages this summer because the Da River water pipeline no.1 faced risk of re-breaking, while a second pipeline will not be finished by its scheduled deadline, according to city authorities.

Residents take water at a public underground water tank in Ha Noi. The city could be hit by water shortages this summer because the Da River water pipeline no.1 faced risk of re-breaking, while a second pipeline will not be finished by its scheduled deadline. — Photo phapluatso.com

The total clean water supply for Ha Noi at present is about 900,000cu.m per 24 hours, and will be able to access about 60,000cu.m more when several plant upgrade projects are finished, according to the municipal Department of Construction.

But in summer, demand for clean water is about 1,020,000cu.m per 24 hours, so the capital will be short of 60,000cu.m each 24 hour period.

A spokesperson of the Ha Noi Department of Construction told the Tien phong (Vanguard) newspaper that it forecast that water supply would be difficult this summer. Several districts such as Ba Dinh, Dong Da and Hoan Kiem could experience water shortages or even temporarily run out entirely.

The clean water pipelines in Ha Noi also faced risk of breaking down.

The Da River water pipelines are operating at a lower pressure than before, so the capacity of supplying water to the centre of the capital was limited, he said.

The Da River water pipeline no.2, which was expected to be finished before the end of next month, will now not be completed as scheduled. The department asked clean water plants to set up detailed measures to improve the water supply, he said.

A representative of the Fresh Water Business and Construction Investment Joint Stock Company (VIWACO), which operate the Da River water pipeline system, said that after the Da River water pipeline no.1 broke 17 times over recent years, the water has been pumped at a lower pressure than its stated capacity because the company was afraid the pipeline could break again.

The Da River water pipeline no.2 could not be finished as scheduled, making the water shortage this summer even more serious, he said.

The company would set up mini pumping stations as a provisional measure, he said.

VNS