2.6 Lao PDR
1 | Country Information
Table 2.6.1 Basic indicators
Land Area (km2)

236,800 (2019)

Total Population

7.12 million (2019)

GDP (current USD)

19.1 billion (2019)

GDP per capita (current USD)

2,670 (2019)

Average Precipitation (mm/year)

1,834 (2019)*

Total Renewable Water Resources (km3)

333.55 (2011)**

Total Annual Freshwater Withdrawals(billion m3)

7.32 (2017)**

Annual Freshwater
Withdrawals
by Sector

Agriculture

95.9% (2017)**

Industry

2.3% (2017)**

Municipal(including domestic)

1.8% (2017)**(Source: Department of statistics, Lao 2019, *Bank of the Lao PDR 2020,**FAO 2021 (estimated))

Despite this, water supply capacity is limited due to thecountry’s inadequately developed water infrastructure(MONRE 2019).
As with other Southeast Asian countries, seasonal
distribution of water resources is uneven in Lao PDR –about 80% of annual precipitation occurs during therainy season (May to October) and 20% in the dry season(November to April). In the dry season, flows of the Se
Bang Fai, Se Bang Hieng and Se Done Rivers that run
through the central and southern parts of the country
drop to 10–15% of the annual average.
There are 62 main river basins in Lao PDR (MONRE
2019), a country where 90% of the territory lies within
the Mekong River basin. Its tributaries contribute theequivalent of 35% of the average annual flow andaccount for 25% of the catchment area of the basin (MRC2005). In 2015, 71% of the population was using
improved sanitation, while 76% had access to improved
drinking water sources (WHO 2017).

3 | State of Ambient Water Quality

Figure 2.6.1 Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

2 | State of Water Resources
Lao PDR has rich water resources. Average annual rainfall
at higher elevations in the southern part of the country
is around 4,000 mm and in the northern valleys is around
1,300 mm. With a population of approximately 7.12
million, per capita annual water availability is around
55,000 m3, the highest of the WEPA partner countries.

68

Surface water quality in Lao PDR is considered good,
although deterioration is observed in the rivers andtributaries in urban areas due to a rise in untreatedor insufficiently treated wastewater and wastes. No
urban center, including the capital Vientiane, hascomprehensive piped sewerage systems nor wastewatercollection, treatment or disposal systems. On the partof the Mekong River downstream from Vientiane, forexample, low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO)have been observed (MRC 2010).
Mining activities and hydropower generation are themajor sources of degradation, especially in terms of
sedimentation. Wastewater and water run-off fromagricultural activities are also potential sources of highnutrients and toxic chemicals originating from fertilizer
and pesticide use (MRC 2010).
Inadequate management of solid waste in urban
areas is another cause of concern for water quality,
especially in the rainy season (MONRE 2012). Hazardous
and infectious wastes are disposed of together withother wastes in the same locations, but landfill sites are
not monitored for impacts of leachate on groundwater
quality and runoff into surface water (rivers and lakes)
during the rainy season.

Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

B

B

C

B

A

Water quality class for the protection of aquatic life
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
A

A

A

A

B

B

B

B

C

B

C

B

A

A

A

B

A

A

B

B

C

C

B

C

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

B

B

Savannakhet

C

C

C

B

C

A

A

A

A

A

A

B

B

Pakse

B

B

B

C

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

B

B

29.2
21.7

20
14.1

15
10
5

7.1

5

5.2

2 Hong Ke (Lower)

6

4.5

3.3

3
4 Hong Ke (Upper)

3 Hong Xeng

2.1 2.9 2.1 2.2
8 Mak Hiao River

Sampling Point

JICA (2009.6)

JICA (2009.11)

JICA (2009.12)

JICA (2010.2)

Sri Lanka

011.6 12.2 12.3

10.3

Philippines

BOD (mg/L)

27.2

26.2

25

Nepal

30

(Source: Kongmeng and Larsen 2016)

Myanmar

Notes: Impacts (A: No impact; B: Low impact; C: Medium impact; D: High impact/
Water quality for aquatic life (A: Excellent quality; B: Good quality; C: Moderate quality; D: Poor quality)

Malaysia

Luang Prabang
Vientiane

Lao PDR

C

2007

Republic of Korea

Houa Khong

Human impacts on water quality
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011

Japan

Monitoring sites

Indonesia

Table 2.6.2 Levels of human impacts on water quality and water quality class for the protection of
aquatic life 2007–2011 at the Mekong, Lao PDR water quality monitoring stations

China

is a good sign that water resources can be managed
sustainably, as long as management strategies are inplace as and when needed.
As most of the country’s area is located in the lowlying deltaic zone, excessive sediment load is the primary
quality problem for the whole country, especially in thewet season.
Under different funding agencies, water quality
monitoring was conducted from 2009 to 2015 in themainstream of the Mak Hiao River and its major
tributaries, the Hong Ke and Hong Xeng Rivers in
Vientiane province. The results in terms of biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD) are shown in Figure 2.6.2, whichshows that BOD concentrations range from 2.1 mg/L to
29.2 mg/L (MONRE 2019). Water was found to be highly
polluted especially in urban areas.

For sustainable water resource management planning,
the Provincial Department of Natural Resources andEnvironment (MONRE) frequently monitors the water
quality – with special priority given for riverheads andwatersheds. Water samples are collected at a frequency
of every three months, which started in 2015. Bothin-situ and laboratory analysis for key water quality
parameters are performed, and water quality trends
are assessed to evaluate their effects on ecosystems.
River water quality in Lao PDR is generally considered
to be good, although human impacts on the river water
quality are increasing (Table 2.6.2). Result shows thatexcept for a few monitoring stations, the water qualityof most of the water sampling locations are not affectedby anthropogenic activities in their surroundings. This

Cambodia

3.1 Rivers

DONRE (2015.12)(Source: MONRE 2019)

ThailandFigure 2.6.2 Comparative study of river water quality in terms of BOD for four major river bodies under five different works

Viet Nam

69

Under a scheme supported by the World Bank, thewater quality of 11 major rivers around Laos wasanalyzed, the results of which are shown in Table 2.6.3.
As the results suggests, river bodies around Vientiane,
followed by Savannakhet, show relatively highconcentrations of water quality parameters compared to

the national water quality standard, mainly chloride,sulphate, EC, and alkalinity, owing to the impact of higher
anthropogenic activities like mining activities. Further,runoff from agricultural activities and improper sewage
management are also responsible for water quality
deterioration.

Table 2.6.3 Statistical summary of river water quality from 11 different monitored river bodies around Laos PDR
Province

River
Depth

Vientiane CT

Vientiane PV

Savannakhet

NamguemNamguem

Xe Champone

SekongXe NamNoy

Champasak

Houay
Lam
Phan

Xe KhamPor

Attapue

Xe NamNoy

XekongXe su

0.12 m0.2 m0.03 m0.03 m0.03 m0.03 m0.03 m0.03 m0.03 mTEMP. (°C)

25.8

25.7

28.2

28.5

26.3

28.7

25.9

28.4

26

pH

7.67

7.7

7.12

7.73

7.5

6.89

7.25

7.3

7.68

TSS (mg/L)

12.83

1.5

0.88

2.56

4.66

1.8

3.75

14.83

65.66

TDS (mg/L)

116

109

157

76

25

44

25

55

78

EC (µS/cm)

115.8

109.1

156

75.2

24.8

44

25

54.7

78

Ca (mg/L)

30.02

29.36

8.12

10.02

2.3

6.16

12.88

7.21

8.4

Mg (mg/L)

2.82

4.22

1.74

1.15

1.42

1.9

0.18

1.58

1.69

Na (mg/L)

1.84

1.66

5.82

0.4

0.94

1.04

1.22

1.32

2.7

K (mg/L)

1.7

1.15

0.82

0.2

0.82

0.05

1.05

0.59

1.28

ALK (mg/L)

82

68

17.5

29

11

22

28

26

30.2

Cl (mg/L)

10.95

19.25

15.1

5.25

0.48

0.25

6.25

0.25

0.25

SO4 (mg/L)

5.73

6.92

4.93

2.23

5.19

4.93

4.8

5.73

9.84

NO3 (mg/L)

0.03

0.01

0.04

0.1

0.06

0.05

0.2

0.07

0.09

NH4 (mg/L)

0.02

0.01

0.04

0.02

0.06

0.16

0.01

0.03

0.14

TN (mg/L)

0.28

0.35

0.39

0.25

0.38

0.29

0.27

0.19

0.24

PO4 (mg/L)

0.01

0.02

0.01

0.04

0.03

0.06

0.06

0.05

0.04

TP (mg/L)

0.09

0.08

0.04

0.05

0.08

0.09

0.09

0.1

0.15

DO (mg/L)

7.36

7.27

7.18

7.77

8.24

6.85

8.31

7.62

8.02

(Source: MONRE 2019)

3.2 Lakes and Reservoirs
Perennial ponds, marshes and oxbow lakes are common
in the lowland floodplains of Lao PDR, which are usually
shallow and vary greatly in size during the year and serveas habitats for many types of aquatic plants, mollusks,
crustaceans, amphibians and reptiles. Currently, dataon the water environment in lakes and reservoirs isavailable only on a project basis. For example, water
quality monitoring was conducted in the reservoirs of
the Nam Ngum dams (Nam Ngum 2 and Nam Ngum1)

70

from 2006–2011 as part of a hydropower development
project, and the results of monitoring at nine monitoring
stations (see Figure 2.6.5) shows a decreasing trend for
dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in some stations comparedwith national standard value of 6mg/L (Figure 2.6.3).
Total phosphorus levels in some stations in 2009 also
highly exceeded the national standard (0.05 mg/L)(Figure 2.6.4). Fertilizers and detergents are suspected as
the potential sources of pollution (Komany 2011).

Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

5.0

0.0

Indonesia

Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan
06 06 06 07 07 07 07 07 07 08 08 08 08 08 08 09 09 09 09 09 09 10 10 10 10 10 10 11

Sta�on 1
Sta�on 2Sta�on 3Sta�on 4Sta�on 5Sta�on 6Sta�on 7
Sta�on 8Sta�on 9

China

DO at station 1-9

Cambodia

DO (mg/L)
10.0

PeriodFigure 2.6.3 DO levels at monitoring stations at the Nam Ngum Dams

(Source: Komany 2011)

0.80

0.40

Total P at station 1-9

0.20
0.00

Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan
06 06 06 07 07 07 07 07 07 08 08 08 08 08 08 09 09 09 09 09 09 10 10 10 10 10 10 11

Sta�on 1
Sta�on 2Sta�on 3Sta�on 4Sta�on 5Sta�on 6Sta�on 7
Sta�on 8Sta�on 9

Republic of Korea

0.60

Japan

Total P (mg/L)
1.00

ST-1
ST-2

ST-4

ST-3

Nam MoNam Ngun

Huay Dokmal

Huay Kal
ST-5
ST-6

Naw Ngum
NN2 Dam Site
Nam Bak

4 | State of Wastewater Treatment

ST-8
ST-9

(Source: Komany 2011)

3.3 Groundwater

Thailand
Viet Nam

Groundwater information, including resource potential,
uses and quality is very limited in the country. Since
surface water is abundant for supply, groundwater
is regarded as a source only when and where surface
water is not available (Chanthavong 2011). However,groundwater is an important source of domestic water,
small-scale irrigation and small-scale industry. It is also
used as a source for urban water supply, although

Both domestic and industrial sectors release various
pollutants. Domestic wastewater contains large amountsof COD, nutrients, and faecal coliform, and is the largest
contributor to surface water pollution. Agricultural runoff
primarily contains nutrients from excess usage offertilizers and pesticides, hence causing a diffused sourceof pollution. Industrial wastewater contains a wide
variety of pollutants, depending on the nature of raw
materials used, processing units and final production
outputs. It commonly contains various heavy metals,
grease, oil, and such like.

Sri Lanka

Figure 2.6.5 Monitoring stations of the Nam Ngum Dams

Philippines

Wastewater and major pollutants

ST-7

NN1 dAM sITE

Nepal

Huay Pamom

Water Sampling Sta�on

B.NaTou

covering only around 5% of the total water production
volume (if spring water is included in this definition,
about 20% of the total water production is covered bysubsurface water) (Chanthavong 2011). According to the
Lao Social Indicator Survey (MoH and LSB 2012), around
32% of Lao households use groundwater or springs fordrinking purposes. As for quality, arsenic contamination
has been detected near the border with China (MRC2010) and in Attapeu province.

MyanmarB.Pha Yaeng Tai
B.Pha Yaeng Neua
B.Lak 37
B.Lak 33
Nam Tong
Nam Koung
B.Lak 24

B.Phone Xay Neua
B.Phone Xay Kang
B.Phone Xay Tai
B.Koua Lek
Nam Ngun
B.KomeeB.NaLuang(Source: Komany 2011)

Malaysia

B.Phone Khan
Nam Muay
B.Phone Keo
B.Phone thong
B.Houay XayHhan
B.Vleng Keo

Lao PDR

PeriodFigure 2.6.4 TP levels at monitoring stations at the Nam Ngum Dams

Domestic wastewater
In order to handle these increasing levels of domestic
pollutants, the government of Laos is also promoting71decentralized wastewater treatment (DEWAT) systems.
Table 2.6.4 shows the transition to DEWAT systemdevelopment around the country and it indicates there isa significant increase in capacity of DEWAT system in the
country. As of 2017, a total capacity of 464.8 m3/day
DEWAT system is functional in the country (MONRE
2019).
Table 2.6.4 Status of domestic (decentralized) wastewater
treatment system
No Year

Location

Treatment
capacity (m³/day)

User

1

2009

Vientiane Capital

10

125

2

2010

Vientiane Capital

11.2

146

3

2010

Vientiane Capital

7

116

4

2011

Louanphabang Province

15

208

5

2011

Khammoan Provive

70

700

6

2011

Khammoan provive

30

300

7

2012

Vientiane Capital

26

455

8

2013

Vientiane Province

3

66

9

2014

Attapeu province

14

163

10

2014

Attapeu province

14

235

11

2014

Vientiane procince

160

1,600

12

2014

Champasak Province

15

300

13

2015

Champasak Province

8

150

14

2015

Vientiane Capital

6.4

80

15

2015

Vientiane Capital

1.5

50

16

2015

Houaphan province

14

161

17

2015

Louanphabang Province

10

500

18

2015

Vientiane Capital

10.2

-

19

2016

Xekong Province

35

50 bed20

2016

Bokeo Province

1

220

21

2017

Louanphabang province

5

Total

-

464.8 m /d3

Industrial wastewater
Most industries and factories in Lao PDR dispose of theirindustrial waste water directly into surface water bodies
such as ponds and rivers; however, such ponds lack the
sheeting to prevent infiltration of various pollutants from
untreated wastewater entering underground bodies.
Small factories in Lao PDR have ponds for industrial
effluent disposal, and some large-scale industries havetheir own wastewater treatment plants including bothanaerobic and aerobic treatment units, such as Beer Laocompany, Coca-Cola company and Sun Paper company,
the mining sector and other industries (MONRE 2019).

5 | Frameworks for Water
Environmental Management
5.1 Legislation
The Environmental Protection Law (EPL) Amendment 201872

is the cornerstone to Lao PDR’s environmental legislation.
Containing measures for the protection, mitigation andrestoration of the environment as well as guidelines
for environmental management and monitoring, it isspecifically aimed at protecting nature, human health,richness of the country’s resources and facilitating theprocess of sustainable development. According to EPL,
the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment(MONRE) is responsible for coordinating different line
agencies in establishing rules and regulations pertaining
to the management of the environment, conducting
research and development related to pollution control
technologies and science, and for overall management
and pollution control (EPL 2018).
EPL-2018 grants MONRE the monitoring ande nfo rc e m e nt a u t h o r i t y to i n s p e c t a n d i s s u eadministrative and civil actions against regulated point
sources within its jurisdiction. In reality, EPL-2012 lacked
the necessary efficacy in terms of granting enforcement
powers to MONRE or its environmental and natural
resources agencies, such as DPCM, regarding industrial
pollution sources (EPL 2018). Instead, the Industrial
Processing Law (IPL) Amendment No. 026/NA, dated
December 27, 2013 authorized by the Ministry ofIndustrial and Commerce (MOIC) acts as primary
enforcement authority over most factories, including in
imposing effluent and emission standards as part ofcertain operating permits, requiring self-monitoring
reports from certain factories, conducting inspections,taking samples, shutting down factory operations, andissuing administrative, civil, and criminal actions or
penalties (EPL 2018). As a result of overlapping andfragmented legislative bodies, no single ministry is
responsible for overall environmental compliance andenforcement of pollution sources in Lao PDR (EPL 2018).
The Law on Water and Water Resources,
promulgated in 1996, stipulates the principles ofmanagement, utilization and development of water. Its
purpose is to secure the quantity and quality of water bymeeting the population’s needs as well as ensuring
environmental sustainability, but lacks clarity on theissue of water supply and wastewater. In response tothis, the new Water Supply Law was drafted by the
Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MPWT)with the assistance of the World Bank, which wasapproved by the National Assembly in November 2009.
However, as most of its stipulations focused on watersupply services, provisions for sanitation and sewerage,
which it lacked, are planned to be added by decree. To
reflect these changes, a revision of the Water and Water
Resources Law was proceeded with the assistance fromthe Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

Water and Water Resources Law
Prime Ministerial Decree on the
Implementa�on of the Water andWater Resources Law

Na�onal Water Sector Strategy
and Ac�on Plan

Lao PDR

Environment Protec�on Law
Prime Ministerial Decree on the
Implementa�on of theEnvironment Protec�on Law

MalaysiaNa�onal Environment Strategy
and Ac�on Plan; EIA Regula�on;
Regula�ons on the Monitoring
and Control of Wastewater
Discharge Environment Standard

Forestry Law
Regula�ons related to forestry
and biodiversity: Na�onal
Biodiversity Conserva�on Areas
and Aqua�c Resources

Decree on the Implementa�on ofLand Law

Regula�ons related to wetlands,
land uses and �tles

Land Law

Agriculture Law
Regula�ons related to Agriculture
Extension, Livestock and Fisheries

Mining Law

Regula�ons related to Mining
Extrac�on and Management

Electricity Law

Environmental Management
Standard for Electricity Projects

Hygiene and Disease Preven�on Law

Drinking Water Standard

Thailand

Regula�ons and standard
related to wastewater discharged
from industry and handicra�s

Sri Lanka

Industrial Processing Law

Philippines

Regula�ons related to Water
User’s Associa�on, lrriga�on
O&M, Supply and Drainage, etc.

Water supply and Sanita�on, andStandard
Regula�on related to Urban
Planning, Housing, Domes�c
Drainage System and Designs

Figure 2.6.6 Legislation system of water environmental management in Lao PDR

Viet Nam

Urban Planning Law

Nepal

Prime Ministerial Decree on the
Implementa�on of the Agriculture
Law• Na�onal Water Sector
Proﬁle• Lao Environment Monitor• Other Relevant Date andInforma�on• Relevant Training andAwareness Program

MyanmarPrime Ministerial Decree on the
Implementa�on of the Forestry Law

Republic of Korea

Cons�tu�on

Japan

Suppor�ng Tools

Indonesia

Management Instruments

China

Policy Framework

stipulation on irrigation use. The Law also grants greater
responsibility to MONRE to develop and implement
management plans of river basins throughout thecountry.
Another promising addition is the requirement to
set minimum water flows as minimum thresholds for all
water resources in order to meet the basic needs ofthose whose livelihoods rely on them as well assustainability of the ecosystem within the affected area
(Phonvisai 2017).
Other laws, such as the Forestry Law and Mining Law
are also relevant to water environmental management
as shown in Figure 2.6.6.

Cambodia

The Law on Water Resource Amendment was
adopted by the National Assembly in 2017. This
amendment aims to develop water resources in anenvironmentally sound and sustainable manner and inaccordance with the international best practices toensure water resources and ecosystems are protected.
New provisions have been added on water right and use,
including wastewater discharge permits, wetland andwater resource protection, groundwater management,
and reservoir management. Additionally, the Law
expands on the terms and conditions of large-, mediumand small-water uses and includes an article onenvironmental flows of hydropower as well as a(Source: MoEJ 2009)73

5.2 Institutional Arrangement
The functions and responsibilities of the Ministry of
Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) wererevised in accordance with Prime Minister’s Decree
No. 451/PM of 23 December 2019 MONRE has broad
responsibilities, including protection of the nation’s
natural resources such as land and water resources, andprotection and restoration of the environment. Within itsits the Department of Pollution Control and Monitoring(DPCM), in charge of water pollution management
policies and plans, pollution aspects of environmental
quality management plans, action plans for the reductionand elimination of water pollution, and emergency
response plans. It is involved with and coordinates work
to control, resolve and remediate contaminated water
bodies and assess environmental damage from waterpollution by recommending and implementing standards,
measures, criteria and methods for monitoring andmanagement. Its responsibilities also include formulating
the water pollution section of Laos's state of pollution
report, developing systems, criteria, and codes of practiceand methods for preventing water pollution.

Table 2.6.5 Drinking water quality standard
Indicator

Parameter

Standard

Unit

Colour-10

PlatinumCobalt(Pt-Co)

Taste

-

-

-

Odor

-

-

-

Turbidity

-

15

NTU

Potential of HydrogenpH

6.5–8.5-

Total Solid

TS

1,000

mg/L

Aluminum

Al

0.2

mg/L

Ammonia

NH3

1.5

mg/L

Iron

Fe

1.0

mg/L

Manganese

Mn

0.5

mg/L

5.3 Ambient Water Quality Standards

Sodium

Na

250

mg/L

Copper

Cu

1.5

mg/L

To improve ambient water quality on certain parameters,
DPCM revised the National Environmental Standards of 7
December 2009 through comparison of updated data on
the country’s environmental quality with the standards
set by international organizations as well as economic
development of certain other countries. This led to anamendment of the National Environmental Standard,
which was adopted by Prime Minister Decree No. 81/PM
on 21 February 2017, that enforced regulations on air,noise, soil and waste quality for assessing and managing
contaminants released into air, water and soil to protect
human health and the environment. The ambient
water quality standards are comprised of groundwater(drinking) quality standards and surface water quality
standards as shown in Table 2.6.5 and Table 2.6.6
respectively.

Zinc

Zn

15

mg/L

Calcium

Ca

150

mg/L

Ambient water quality standards

Water quality monitoring framework
In Lao PDR, surface water is the major water source forurban water supply, while groundwater is usually themain source for rural populations in lowland areas,
particularly in the central and southern parts of thecountry where the groundwater table is sufficiently highand of sufficient quality. In upland areas, particularly thenorth and east of the country, water is usually suppliedby gravity flow systems, mostly from streams (surface
water), but also from springs (groundwater), although74

this access tends to be limited to remote communities.
According to a Lao PDR MONRE Report (2012), water
quality is considered good, although deterioration isobserved in rivers and tributaries in urban areas due toincreasing untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater
and wastes. Mining activities and hydropower generation
are the major sources of degradation, especially

Magnesium

Mg

100

mg/L

Sulphate

SO42-

250

mg/L

Hydrogen Sulfide

H2S

0.1

mg/L

Sodium Chloride

NaCl

320

mg/L

Chloride

Cl

-

250

mg/L

Fluoride

F-

1.0

mg/L

Nitrate

NO

45

mg/L

C18H29NaO3S

1.0

mg/L

Phenol compound

C6H6O

0.002

mg/L

Mercury

Hg

0.001

mg/L

Lead

Pb

0.01

mg/L

Arsenic

As

0.01

mg/L

Selenium

Se

0.01

mg/L

Chromium Hexavalent

6+

Cr

0.05

mg/L

Cyanide

CN -

0.07

mg/L

Cadmium

Cd

0.003

mg/L

Barium

Ba

1.0

mg/L

Resident Chlorine(Disinfection)

Cl2

>0.2

mg/L

SPC Bacteria (Standard
Plate Count Method)-

500

Colonies/cm3

Coliform bacteria

-

-

MPN/
100 cm3

E.coli Bacteria

-

-

MPN/
100 cm3

Alkylbenzenesulfonate

3Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

Indicator

Parameter1

2

Level of Water
3
4

5

Unit

Analysis

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

°C

Thermometer

pH value

pH

6–8

6–8

5–9

5–9

-

-

Electrometric pH Meter

Dissolved Oxygen

DO

>7

6.0

4.0

2.0

<2

mg/L

Electro-conductivity

Ec

<500

>1,000>2,000> 4,000>4,000µS/cm

Ec meterAzide Modification

5–7

7–10

10–12

> 12

mg/L

Total coliform bacteria

-

-

5,000

20,000--

MPN/100 ml

Multiple Tube
Fermentation TechniqueFaecal coliform bacteria

-

-

1,000

4,000

-

-

MPN/100 ml

Multiple Tube
Fermentation Technique

Total Suspended Solids

TSS

<10

>25

>40

>60

>60

mg/L

Glass Fiber Filter Disc

Phosphate

PO4

< 0.1

0.5

1

2

>2

mg/L

Ascorbic acid

Ammonium ion

NH4+

>0.5

>1.5

>3

>4

<4

mg/L

Kjeldahl

Nitrate-Nitrogen

NO3-N

-

5.0

-

mg/L

Cadmium Reduction

Ammonia-Nitrogen

NH3-N

-

0.5

-

mg/L

Distillation Nesslerization

PhenolC6H5OH

-

0.005

-

mg/L

Distillation, 4-Amino
antipyrene

Copper

Cu

-

1.5

-

mg/L

Nickel

Ni

-

0.1

-

mg/L

Manganese

Mn

-

1.0

-

mg/L

-

1.0

-

mg/L

Cd

-

0.003

-

mg/L

Chromium Hexavalent

Cr6+

-

0.05

-

mg/L

Lead

Pb

-

0.01

-

mg/L

AA-Direct Aspiration

-

0.001

-

mg/L

AA-Cold Vapour Technique

As

-

0.01

-

mg/L

AA -Direct Aspiration, ICP

Cyanide

CN

-

0.07

-

mg/L

Pyridine-Barbituric Acid

Radioactive
-α
-β

-

0.1
1.0

-

Becqurel/L

-

0.05

-

mg/L

DDT

-

1.0

-

µg/L

alpha- Benzene hexachloride

α -BHC(C6H6Cl6)

-

0.02

-

µg/L

Radioactive-

Organochlorine pesticide
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

C12H8Cl6O

-

0.1

-

µg/L

C12H8Cl6

-

0.1

-

µg/L

Heptachlor and heptachlor
epoxideC10H5Cl7
C10H5Cl7O

-

0.2

-

µg/L

Viet Nam

Dieldrin
AldrinGC

ThailandHg

Sri Lanka

Mercury
AsenicPhilippines

Zn

Cadmium

Nepal

Zinc

Myanmar<5

MalaysiaCOD

Lao PDRchemical oxygen demand

Potassium Dichromate
Digestion; Open Reflux or
Closed Reflux

Republic of Korea

t°C

Japan

Colour, Odour and Taste
TemperatureIndonesia

Table 2.6.6 Surface water quality standard

Chinaindustrial discharges, septic tank seepage and overflows
into the system.
A brief summary of the surface water quality
network in Lao PDR is shown in Figure 2.6.7, which showsthat 93 monitoring stations with facilities to analyze over
30 water quality parameter are active in 18 provinces of
the country.

Cambodiasedimentation. Water runoff from agricultural activities
could become a source of high nutrients and toxic
chemicals due to fertilizer and pesticide use. Litter, dust
and dirt, oil and grease, particles of rubber compounds
from tires, particles of metal, glass and plastic fromvehicles, and lead are the commonly found pollutants.
Urban drains also act as secondary sewers carrying

75

17(+1)
Provinces93

Sta�ons>30

Monitoring
Parameters

Figure 2.6.7 Network of surface water quality
monitoring in Lao PDR

1. Ground water quality
2. Drinking water quality
3. Effluent standards

5.4 Effluent Standards

a. Effluent from general factories

The following effluent standards are stipulated under
the National Environmental Standards issued in February
2017, the data of which is assessed against the MRC
Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Human
Health and the Protection of Aquatic Life.
The average chemical oxygen demand (COD)
concentration at Vientiane was recorded at around 1.4
mg/L, compared to 2.7 mg/L at Champasack. COD
concentrations at three stations in the Mekong River,
Nam Nguem, Nam Xebang Fai and Nam Xe Done slightly
exceeded the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Water
Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Human Health of
5 mg/L. Other than a recorded pH of 9.9 for Luang
Prabang, pH values for other areas along the MekongRiver were within the water quality guideline for pH (pHvalues of 6 to 9 for both the protection of human healthand the protection of aquatic life). The lowest pH
measurement was observed at Vientiane monitoring
station (pH = 6.2) while the highest pH measurement
was observed at Luang Prabang monitoring station (pH =9.9). Dissolved oxygen (DO) is one of the key water
quality parameters monitored routinely by the MRC
Water Quality Monitoring Network, and maintaining
good water quality requires adequate concentrations of
dissolved oxygen. In recognition of this, MRC member
countries have jointly established target values for theprotection of human health (≥ 6mg/L) and aquatic life (>c. Effluent from general toilets

Effluent standards

76

5 mg/L).
In general, the water quality of rivers within the Lao
PDR is considered to be good; however, little information
is available on groundwater quality despite its use as
chief source of water supply in rural areas. No systematic
monitoring of the impacts of fluoride, pesticide, nitratefrom fertilizer or other chemical pollutants is carried out.
For standards of wastewater discharged from urban
areas, buildings such as hotels, dormitories or hospitals
are classified according to the number of rooms andvolume of discharged wastewater. Buildings such as
residences, temples, schools, offices, markets andrestaurants are also classified according to floor area. For
the wastewater treatment standards for public areas,classifications are in place for areas such as historicalsites, public parks, water parks, and marshes and ponds.
The National Environmental Standard is enforced by
Article 27 and 32 of the Environment Protection Law, andcovers:b. Effluent from community households
d. Effluent from public canals
e. Effluent from pig farms
f. Effluent from car washes and gas stations

Effluent inspection procedure
According to the Regulation on Wastewater Discharge
from Industrial Processing Factories issued in 2005
by the Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts (currently
the Ministry of Industry and Commerce), all industrial
factories are required to install wastewater treatment
systems and the necessary facilities to monitor andanalyze water samples. The monitoring report results
are then submitted to the Director of the Industry
Department of the Ministry or respective province. The
industry department may dispatch factory environmental
inspectors, who are permitted to enter all areas withinfactories to inspect, observe, measure, sample andmonitor wastewater discharged into public water bodies.

Measures against non-compliance
Lao PDR has some judicial or non-judicial measuresfor cases of non-compliance in effluent water quality
management. If violations are found by the industry
department, certification for wastewater discharge
is suspended and wastewater discharge is suspended
or terminated until improvement and compliance isChapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

b. Institutional Framework:• The absence of power leads to serious lack ofcompliance and major pollution issues

As regards current challenges, decision makers haveapproved several policy-oriented changes on existing
regulations as well as introduced several new policies on
the ground. Several of these are listed below:• Lack of technical skills and inadequate resources toRegulation 2012; and Industry Wastewater
Discharge Regulation 2005

• National Strategy on Rural Water Supply, Sanitation• Natural Resources and Environment Sector Vision• National government’s annual budget is not
sufficient

Future plans to address the above challenges
The national government is searching for potential
solutions to address the above-mentioned challenges
related to water environment, some of which are listed
below:
1. Human resources development, i.e., capacity
building for technical officers in government, whowill become key personnel for water environment
monitoring and governance through collaborations
with technically advanced countries
2. Seeking financial/technological support fromdonor agencies for improving water environmentin Lao PDR

7 | Challenges and Future Plans

3. Conducting the pilot project/program
wastewater treatment plant in Lao PDR

Although water quality is generally in good condition
throughout the country, it has deteriorated in majorurban areas in recent past times. No urban centers,

4. Developing technical guidelines/legislation onwastewater management and their strict
implementation

Thailandtowards 2030 and Ten-Year Strategy (2016–2025)
and Natural Resources and Environment Sector Fiveyear Action Plan (2016–2020), 22 September 2015

c. Financial support:• Lack of financial collection charges of pollutantsreleased into the environment as no specificlegislation is in force

Sri Lankaand Hygiene 2019–2030 No. 0947/MoH wasapproved and issued in 2019

control among the central and local governments
and agencies concerned, due to silo-based thinking

Philippines• Waste from Industry Processing Management• Lack of cooperation and coordination of pollution

Nepal

PM, 2010

support monitoring and enforcement

Myanmar• Environment Impact Assessment Decree No. 112/

• Lack of criminal laws for pollution control

Malaysia

towards 2030 and Ten-Year Strategy (2016–2025)
and Natural Resources and Environment Sector Fiveyear Action Plan (2016–2020), 22 September 2015

the field to control wastewater pollution and control

Lao PDR• Natural Resources and Environment Sector Vision• Lack of strict regulations to implement the laws in

Republic of Korea

on 2017Water and Water Resources Management,
2017

a. Policy and legislation:• Lack of national planning policy framework,
monitoring and enforcementJapan• Law on Water and Water Resources, 2017
• Decree on National Environmental Standard passed

Indonesia

6 | Recent Developments inWater Environmental Management

China

including the capital Vientiane, have comprehensive
piped sewerage systems or wastewater collection,
treatment and disposal systems. The water quality ofurban rivers may further deteriorate in the near future
due to inflows of increasing volumes of untreatedwastewater resulting from urban growth.
Overall, challenges for water environment
governance can be summarized in the following
categories:

Cambodiaconfirmed. Penalties for regulation violations are as
follows: (1) first stage: warning, suspension of import/
export, suspension of production, (2) second stage:
fine of five to 10 times the certification fee, and (3)third stage: fine of 10–15 times the certification fee
as well as penalties for non-compliance with otherrelevant regulations. Currently, DPCM is responsible
for environmental quality monitoring and compliance
enforcement and preparation for Lao PDR’s state ofpollution report, and provides data on air quality, noiselevels, water quality, solid waste, hazardous substancesand pollution problems throughout the country.
Monitoring of environmental quality is intended toprovide a grasp of the current ambient environment aswell as to monitor the emissions and impacts of specificdischarges.

onViet Nam

77