Rice fields in Cần Thơ. Efficient water use needs to be ensured in a coordinated manner, combining technology, infrastructure, management, and greater public awareness. — VNA/VNS Photo Duy Khương

CẦN THƠ — Cần Thơ will strengthen the management and protection of its water resources as climate change, pollution, and rising demand put growing pressure on supply.

The city, in the heart of the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta, has a dense network of rivers, canals, and other waterways.

Surface water is vital for agriculture, households, industry, and water transport.

Nguyễn Thị Vân Cơ, deputy head of the water resources, minerals, and sea division at the city Department of Agriculture and Environment, said public awareness and a shared sense of responsibility are essential to ensuring water is used efficiently and sustainably.

Water extraction must comply with regulations, meet its intended purpose, and avoid waste or harm to water sources, she warned.

Organisations and individuals using water must meet reporting, monitoring, and supervision requirements, and promptly address problems arising from its extraction and use, she said.

Local administrations should expand public information campaigns to help the public and businesses comply with regulations, monitor and inspect water extraction, and work with specialist agencies to tackle violations, she said.

She said protecting water resources is a responsibility shared by government agencies, businesses, and the public.

Everyone can contribute by saving water, preventing pollution, and reporting activities that could harm water sources, she said.

In agriculture, the city needs to promote water-saving irrigation, improve water efficiency, and adapt farming practices to water availability and a changing climate.

In urban areas, it should expand wastewater collection and treatment, encourage water reuse where appropriate, and develop green infrastructure to retain water and reduce flooding.

Farmers in Cần Thơ are encouraged to irrigate crops at the right time and with the right amount of water as part of efforts to protect water resources. — VNA/VNS Photo Duy Khương

Breaches of water resources regulations carry fines of up to VNĐ250 million (US$9,600) for individuals and VNĐ500 million ($19,200) for organisations.

The city continues to struggle with groundwater management.

Groundwater extraction for agricultural production has continued to grow without adequate planning, and some fail to meet registration and licensing requirements.

Trần Chí Hùng, deputy chairman of the city People’s Committee, promised stronger groundwater management and action against extraction without a licence or beyond permitted limits.

The city would also encourage the use of advanced technology to conserve and restore water resources, he said.

Measures would include saving and reusing water, collecting rainwater, artificially replenishing groundwater, and restoring degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources, he said.

These efforts aim to secure water supply and protect public health as climate change and reduced upstream flows put increasing pressure on surface water, he added. — VNS