2.13 Viet Nam
1 | Country Information

2 | State of Water Resources

Table 2.13.1 Basic indicators
Land Area (km2)

310,070 (2016)

Total Population

96.46 million (2019)*

GDP (current USD)

261.9 billion (2019)*

GDP per capita (current USD)

2,715 (2019)*

Average Precipitation (mm/year)

1,950 (2017)**

Total Renewable Water Resources (km3)

884 (2017)

Total Annual Freshwater Withdrawals(billion m3)

82 (2014)

Annual Freshwater
Withdrawals
by Sector

Agriculture

80.6% (2018)

Industry

15.0% (2018)

Services

1.7% (2018)

Municipal(including domestic)

2.7% (2014)

Viet Nam has a large river and canal network, including
over 3,450 rivers and streams with lengths exceeding
10 km. There are 13 large rivers and 310 inter-provincial
rivers belonging to eight large river basins, with an areaof about 270,000 km2 (accounting for 80% of the total
area of the river basin). Of these, many rivers crossborders with other countries, such as the Mekong river
systems (Mekong River), Red River, Bang Giang - Ky
Cung River, Ma River, Ca River, and Dong Nai River. As aresult, the country has an abundance of surface water
resources. The total volume of the country’s river basins
is about 830–840 km3/year, but only about 310 km3(37%) is within the country, while the remaining 63% isgenerated from neighboring countries (MONRE 2018).

(Source: *World Bank 2020, **2030 WRG 2017)
Bang Giang-Ky Cungriver basin, 3%
Other river basin, 20%

Red-Thai Binhriver basin, 27%

Mekongriver basin, 22%

Ma river basin, 5%
Ca river basin, 5%

Dong Nai river basin, 11%
Vu Gia-Thu Bon river basin, 3%
Ba river basin, 4%

Figure 2.13.2 River basin area as percentage of total area

(Source: MONRE 2018)

Figure 2.13.1 Han River in Da Nang, Viet Nam

130

Although Viet Nam enjoys abundant surface water
resources in general, they are unevenly distributed
across the country due partly to uneven rainfall
distribution. The total volume of water being exploited isabout 80.6 billion m3 (approx. 10% of total national water
volume), of which over 80% is used for agricultural
purposes (about 65 billion m3 /year). Water is also used
for energy production, daily life, aquaculture andindustrial production, tourism and services. There is atrend of rising water use in industry, fisheries and living.
Water use for agricultural production is highest in the
Mekong Delta and Red River Delta, accounting for 70% ofwater use. The catchment area with the highest industrial

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

29,930

23.5

Gianh

4,680

8.14

Thach Han

2,550

4.68

Huong

3,300

5.64

Vu Gia-Thu Bon

10,35020.1

Tra Khuc-Ve-Tra Bong

5,200

6.19

Kon-Ha Thanh- La Tinh

3,640

2.58

Sesan

11,45012.9

3.1 Surface Water

Srepok

18,20013.5

Ba13,900

9.5

Dong Nai-Sai Gon

40,29437

Mekong (or Cuu Long)

761,417475

Group of river basins
in southeast region

15,7609.16

In general, the surface water quality in some majorriver basins has seen a slight improvement due to more
efficient control over rising pollution loads. The RedThai Binh, Ma, Vu Gia-Thu Bon and Mekong river basins
have relatively good water quality, and many segmentsof these rivers are used as raw sources for domestic
water treatment plants. However, some river basinsare still severely polluted and of relatively low quality,
such as Nhue-Day river basin. Most river basins in Viet
Nam’s territory have high TSS values and turbidity, often
exceeding QCVN 08- MT: 2015/BTNMT (A2), as well as
the B1 level (see Table 2.13.3) during the flood season.
Major pollutants in the contaminated areas areincluded in organic pollution and micro-organism. Local
pollution of oil, grease and heavy metals also occurs,
especially in areas affected by waterborne traffic,
industrial production, and mineral exploitation.
Water Quality Index values calculated based on the
2014–2018 water quality monitoring results of sevenriver basins showed that the ratio of river basins, whichhave been classified as “Average” quality, account thehighest percentage in all river basins. The river basins
with good and very good water quality (higher than thenational average) are the Red river -Thai Binh river basin,
Mekong river basin, and Cau river basin. The Nhue-Day
river basin still has the poorest water quality with a ratio(Source: MONRE 2014)

It is predicted that Viet Nam will become one of thecountries most vulnerable to climate change and is likely
to face significant impacts, especially in its water
resources, surface water resources in particular. Impacts
from climate change will vary according to region, and inrecent years the northern delta and central coastal
regions have already been affected by longer dry periods
and torrential rains, resulting in droughts and flooding,as well as rising sea levels, storms, flooding and coastal
erosion. The southern region is relatively flat andgeologically weak, and is prone to flooding and saltwater
intrusion as a result of sea level rise, with about 45% of
the region projected to be at risk by 2030 (MONRE 2018).
In addition to surface water, groundwater is also an
important water supply source for domestic, industrial
and agricultural activities. According to MONRE (2015),
groundwater in Viet Nam is relatively plentiful due to theabundant rainfall which is distributed widely across theViet Nam

18

Thailand

28,400

Sri Lanka

Ma

Water pollution of river basins across the country resultsfrom different sources, but is mainly due to the dischargeof untreated or partly treated domestic, industrial andagricultural wastewater, as well as wastewater fromcraft villages and hospitals. According to MONRE (2018),
domestic wastewater accounts for more than 30% of
the total wastewater discharged directly to rivers, lakes,
or canals leading to rivers, and is often characterized byhigh levels of organic compounds, nutrients, suspended
solids, and large amounts of coliforms.

Philippines

9.4

Nepal

13,260

MyanmarBang Giang-Ky Cung

Malaysia

135

Lao PDR

169,020

Republic of Korea

Red and Thai Binh

3 | State of Ambient Water Quality

Japan

Total annual flow
(km 3)

Indonesia

Catchment area
(km 2 )

Major river basins

China

Table 2.13.2 River basins in Viet Nam

country. Reserves are estimated at about 172.6 million
m3/day. The total volume of groundwater exploitation isabout 10.53 million m3/day, of which the Northern andSouthern delta are the two most exploited areas withtotal capacities of about 5.87 million m3/day, accountingfor 55.7% of the country’s exploitation. Recently, due tooverexploitation of groundwater in areas such as Hanoi
and the Mekong delta, problems of falling water tables,
associated land subsidence and salinity intrusion havebeen reported.

Cambodiawater use rate is Hong - Thai Binh, accounting for nearly
half of the total water use for Vietnam’s industry (MONRE
2015). The structure of water use is expected to change
by 2030, with 75% going to agriculture, 16% to industry,and 9% to domestic uses (MONRE 2018). In addition,
Rapid urbanisation and the prolonged dry season due tothe impacts of climate change is causing serious water
shortages in many areas of the country, especially in theareas around Mekong river basin in Vietnam.

131

of 18.8%. In the Ma river basin, Red River-Thai Binh river
basin, and Dong Nai River basin, the ratio of average topoor water quality is very high, mainly due to the highamount of suspended solids (especially during the rainyseason) (MONRE 2018).
Very good

Mekong River (Viet Nam)

1.7

18.9

Dong Nai river basin

5.0

14.7

Vu Gia-Thu Bon river basin

4.7
1.1 5.3

Red River-Thai Binh river basin

5.9

Nhue-Day river basin

6.3

Cau river basin

Very poor
16.6
17.6

48.0
42.2

19.1

1.1

42.8

32.2

53.8

20.7

17.4

18.8

42.6

16.9

WQI Value
91–100
76–90
51–75
26–50
0–25

0.4

27.3

50.3

6.2

Poor

62.2

12.8

Na�onwide

Average

62.9

20.0

Ma river basin

Good

50.3

23.8

3.4

23.4

3.2

Suitability for the following purposes
Used for domes�c water supply purposes
Used for domes�c water supply purposes, but requires appropriate treatment measures
Used for irriga�on and other similar purposes
Used for naviga�on and other similar purposes
Heavily polluted water source, this is a need for appropriate treatment measures in the future

Figure 2.13.3 Changes of WQI values of rivers belonging to Red River-Thai Binh river basin during 2014–2018
NOTE: Water Quality Index (WQI) is calculated according to “Decision No. 879/QD-TCMT dated 1 July 2011” (Source: MONRE 2018)

WQI

2013

100

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

75
50
25

Bắc Kạn

Bắc Ninh

Cau RiverThái Nguyên

Hà Bắc NinhNộiCong RiverNgũ Huyện
Khê

Thái Nguyên

HN BN HD

Other rivers

Figure 2.13.4 Changes of WQI values of rivers belonging Cau river basin during 2014–2018 (Source: MONRE 2018)
mg/L
7

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

QCVN 08-MT: 2015/BTNMT (B1)

6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Cầu Lộc Hà
Hà NộiCầu Sông Thát

Văn Môn
Bắc NinhCầu Đào Xá

Figure 2.13.5 Changes of ammonium content in Ngu Huyen Khe river water during 2014–2018 (Source: MONRE 2018)132

Phả Lại

Cầu Cà Lồ

Cầu Gia Tân

Tân LongCầu LoàngChùa Hang

Kim Sơn

Giang Tiên. Phú Lương

Yên NinhVăn MônCầu Đào Xá

Cầu Lộc Hà

Cầu Sông ThátCầu Đa Phúc

Mỏ Chè

Cầu Bến ĐầmHồ Núi Cốc

Nam Hồ Núi Cốc

Phú Cường

Cầu Huy NgạcThống HạHiền Lương

Cầu Thị CầuVạn PhúcBắc Giang HàNộiHòa LongYên Dũng

Phúc Lộc, phường

Cầu Vát

Thái Nguyên

Hương Lâm

Tân PhúCầu Mây

Cầu Gia BảyCầu Trà VườnSơn Cẩm

Hoàng Văn ThụHòa Bình

Văn Lăng

Nà BảnChợ Mới

Cầu PhàThác Giềng

Dương Phong0Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

2013

100

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

75

China

50

Cambodia

WQI25

Hà Nội

Hà NamNinhBình

Day River

Hà NamOther rivers

Nam
Định

Cầu Sét

Tựu Liệt

S. Tô LịchĐịnh CôngCầu Mới

Phương LiệtNghĩa ĐôĐền Độc Bộ

Cầu Sắt

Đò QuanĐầm Tái

Cầu Phủ LýBến Dế

Nho QuanCửa ĐáyĐò Mười

Thượng kiệmYên Trị

Độc Bộ

Ninh Bình

S. S.
Lừ SétInternal riversHa Noi

Figure 2.13.6 Changes of WQI values of rivers belonging to Nhue - Day river basin during 2014–2018 (Source: MONRE 2018)

Class

Objective of use
Good for domestic water supply and other purposes in A2

A2

Good for domestic water supply, but suitable treatment technology must be applied;conservation of aquatic life or other purposes in B1 and B2

B1

Good for irrigation and other purposes with demand for similar quality water and other purposes in B2

B2

Good for water transportation and other purposes with demand for low-quality water

3.2 Coastal Water
71.6

Meets standard

60
45.9

20

13.1
COD

16.3

BOD5 N-NH4 N-NO2

TSS

Fe

Figure 2.13.7 Ratio of values exceeding QCVN 08-MT:
2015/BTNMT (A2) of some selected parameters on
Ca river basin during 2014–2018 (Source: MONRE 2018)

Viet Nam

0

32.0
20.9

Thailand40

Does not meetstandard

In general, coastal water quality in Vietnam isrelatively good and most monitoring parameters arewithin the limits set by National Technical Regulation
on Coastal Water Quality QCVN 10-MT: 2015/BTNMT).
In most monitored areas QCVN 10-MT: 2015/BTNMT(aquaculture and bathing) limits were even betteredin terms of COD, NH 4+ during 2011–2015, especiallyin northern and southern coastal areas. However,cases of organic pollution are rising due to increased
discharge of untreated wastewater and solid waste
directly into the sea in coastal provinces, and levels oforganic pollution in the northern coastal areas is higher
than in the central and southern regions, but showed

Sri Lanka

80

Philippines

%
100

Nepal

A1

Myanmar

Table 2.13.3 Classes of surface water quality standards

Malaysia

Meanwhile, water quality of the part of Nhue Riverflowing through Hanoi city has always showed low (lowWQI value), mainly due to the significant impact of waterpollution in the downstream area, especially during thedry season. Further, most of the rivers flowing throughHanoi have always been heavily polluted (with WQI lessthan 25), with no improvement from year to year. Other
smaller rivers such as Lu river, Set river, and Kim Nguu
river are also in the same condition, according to MONRE(2018).

Lao PDR

Nhue-Day river basin is part of the Red-Thai Binhriver basin, which expands over six provinces and cities in
the Red River Delta region. During 2014–2018, riversegments flowing through urban and productionintensive areas continued to be polluted by organic
matter, nutrients, and microorganisms, and river water
quality in 2016 dropped compared to previous years.
Conversely, 2017 to 2018 saw water quality rise in someareas.

Republic of Korea

Nhue River

Khánh PhúGián Khẩu

Cầu Non NướcTrung Hiếu Hạ

Thanh Tân

Xi măng Việt TrungCầu Đỗ Xá

Cầu phao Kiện KhêCầu Quế

TB Thanh NộnĐền Đức Thánh Cả

Ba Thá

Tế Tiêu

Cầu Mai LĩnhĐò Kiều

Cầu Hồng Phú

Công Thần

Công Nhật TựuĐông QuanCự ĐàCầu Tó

Phúc La

Công Liên Mạc

Cầu Chiếc

Hà NamJapan

Hà NộiIndonesia

0133

a falling tendency during 2011–2015. Tho Quang boat
(Da Nang) has become one of the hotspots of marine
pollution in recent years.

3.3 Groundwater
According to MONRE (2015), although groundwater
quality may vary geographically, it is generally consideredrelatively good. Normally, groundwater has a pH value
arranging from 6.0–8.0, is termed as soft water (hardness<1.5 mg/l), and concentrations of organic compounds,
microorganisms and heavy metals are often within
permissible levels, i.e., National Technical Regulation on
Groundwater Quality QCVN 09-MT:2015/BTNMT.
mg/l

2011

2012

2013

However, cases of groundwater pollution are
occurring in certain areas, especially the Northern
Delta (e.g., Red River Delta). Major pollutants exceeding
permissible levels include Total Dissolved Solids (TDS),
ammonium, heavy metals (Mn, As, Cd, Pb) and salt
intrusion. Saltwater intrusion has been reported in someareas, especially in the three most vulnerable – coastal
central provinces, lower basin of Dong Nai river, andcoastal provinces of the Mekong delta. Ammonium
content in groundwater has also frequently exceeded
the limits of quality standards in some points of regions
across the country, the highest being in the Northern
Delta (VEA 2015).
2014

QCVN 09:2008/BTNMT

2015

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

TP. HạLong

TP. Cẩm
PháQuảng NinhXã Đông Xã Yên Xã TrựcHòa, Tp. Lương, Phú,Thái Bình H. Ý Yên H. TrựcNinh
Thái Bình

P. Ninh Xã Ninh Xã Ninh Xã Gia
Phong,
Phúc,
Giang,Xuân,
Tp. Ninh Tp. Ninh Hoa Lư Gia Viễn
Bình
Bình

Nam Định

Ninh Bình

H. Lệ
Thủy

TP. Đồng Xã Vĩnh Xã SuốiHớiLộc, TX. Nho, H.
Long
Định
Khánh Quán.

Quảng BìnhĐồng Nai

Figure 2.13.8 Ratio of ammonium content in underground water in some localities in the period 2011–2015 (Source: VEA 2015)

4 | State of Wastewater Treatment
Domestic wastewater
Domestic wastewater includes wastewater sources fromhousehold activities, businesses and service industries(restaurants, hotels, resorts, etc.). The percentage ofdomestic wastewater of total wastewater discharged
directly into rivers, lakes and canals is very high,exceeding 30%. Based on the data, the southeast region
and Red River Delta (especially in big cities like Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh) areas exhibit the highest amountsof domestic wastewater discharge into receiving water
bodies. The estimated ratio of domestic wastewatercollected and properly treated in Class IV urban areas (orhigher) is about 12.5%, an increase of 5% compared to
2011–2015, with 45 centralized wastewater treatment
plants across the country with approx. 926,000 m3/day

134

total capacity. In big cities such as Hanoi, only about
20.62% of the city’s total generated domestic wastewater
is treated, which drops to 10% or higher in Ho Chi Minhcity. Currently, construction is planned for about 80
additional centralized wastewater treatment systems
under ongoing projects, with a total design capacity of
about 2.4 million m3/day (MONRE 2018).

Industrial wastewater
In addition to domestic wastewater, other sources ofwastewater discharges such as from industry, services,craft villages also affect the urban water environment.
In the inner parts of some cities like Hanoi, there arestill some small-scale production units and craft villages(e.g., food processing, slaughtering cattle), mainlycomprised of households, which have not invested inwaste and wastewater treatment systems. The southeast

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

Japan
Republic of Korea
Lao PDR
Malaysia
Myanmar

Article 53 of the new Constitution 2013 states that
“The land, water resources, mineral resources, wealthlying underground or coming from the sea and theair, other natural resources, and property invested andmanaged by the State are public properties, coming
under ownership by the entire people represented anduniformly managed by the State.” The Constitution is thebasis of environmental and water resources protection in
the country.
The Law on Water Resources 2012 (Decree No.
17/2012/QH13) also highlights issues relating to theprotection of water resources, including responsibilities
for the prevention of water deterioration and depletion,and control of water quality. In addition, the Law on
Environmental Protection 2014 (No. 55/2014/QH13)
provides statutory provisions on environmental
protection activities; measures and resources used forthe purpose of environmental protection, including riverwater environmental protection; and rights, powers,
duties and obligations of regulatory bodies, agencies,
organizations, households and individuals who are tasked
with environmental protection.
Several other relevant laws, such as the Mineral Law,
Land Law and Biodiversity Law, and decrees, decisions,circulars and strategies on water resources management
have also been promulgated to complete the national
legislation related to water environmental managementin Viet Nam.

Indonesia
Nepal
Philippines
Sri Lanka
ThailandCurrently, agricultural wastewater is also a matter ofgreat concern as it represents one of the main factors
influencing water resources in areas with thriving
agricultural economies, such as Mekong Delta and Red
River Delta. Wastewater from agricultural activities often
contains pesticides and fertilizers, which are toxic tothe environment and human health. It is estimated thateach year about 70,000 kg (solid form) and over 40,000
liters of pesticides (liquid form), as well as about 70,000
kg of untreated chemical bags enter the environment,
increasing the level of pollution of surface water andgroundwater (World Bank 2017). In addition, wastewaterfrom livestock production also significantly contributes
to environmental burdens due to its volume – the total
for 2018 was estimated at approx. 6.66 million m3/day(MONRE 2018) – as well as contents, comprising large
amounts of suspended solids, organic substances,
nutrients and microorganisms.

5.1 Legislation
China

Wastewater pollution from agricultural activities

5 | Frameworks for Water
Environmental Management

Cambodiaregion, where a large number of industrial zones areconcentrated, is considered to produce the largest
volume of industrial wastewater generation, followedby the Red River Delta, which also has a large number ofindustrial zones and industrial production establishments
in operation.
In Vietnam, industrial wastewater has been carefully
controlled and treated, especially industrial wastewater
generated from industrial zones; however, percentagesof properly treated wastewater meeting national effluent
standards varies. As of early 2020, 274 industrial zones
operated nationwide, of which 244 had centralized
wastewater treatment systems, accounting for 89%.
Provinces with large numbers of industrial zones/parks
are those such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Binh Duong,
Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Long An, Quang Ninh, Bac
Ninh. There are 191/244 industrial parks with automaticwater quality monitoring stations, accounting for 78.3%.
According to Decree 38/2015/ND-CP on Waste and Scrap
Management, all factories, production, business andservice establishments located outside industrial zones/
parks and which discharge large amounts of wastewater(1,000 m3/day or higher) must install automatic continuous
wastewater monitoring systems, and transmit all realtime data directly to the Department of Natural
Resources and Environment as regulated.

Viet Nam

135

5.2 Institutional Arrangement

reports on strategic environmental assessments,
assisting the government in designing, implementing andproviding guidelines for responses to climate change,
providing instructions on environmental remediationand improvement, implementation of national
environmental monitoring, promulgation of technicalregulations, standards on water quality and obligation forwater quality monitoring of public water bodies, andmanagement of river basins nationwide (Figure 2.13.9).
Other ministries that may influence or affect water
resources management include the Ministry ofAgriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Industry
and Trade, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Science andTechnology,Ministry of Construction, Ministry ofTransport, and Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning

State responsibilities for water resources managementof the government, ministries and ministerial-levelagencies, city and the provincial people’s committee,
district and commune people’s committee are clearlystated in the Law on Water Resources 2012 and Law
on Environmental Protection 2014, which has recently
been replaced by a revised Law on Environmental
Protection 2020 (No. 72/2020/QH14), which set out how
the government is to perform uniform or overall state
management of water resources.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment(MONRE) is the main ministry responsible for overall
state management of water resources, including theplanning for environmental protection, verification of

GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM(Law No.55/2014/QH13)*(*It has recently been replaced by a new law on
Environmental Protec�on 2020 (No.72/2020/QH14))

Overallmanagement ofwater resources

1992
CONSTITUTION(Amended in 2013)MONRE

LAW ONENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION(Law No. 72/2020/QH14)

Co-coordina�ng(Decree No. 36/2017/
ND-CP;
Law No. 17/2012/QH13;
Law No. 72/2020/QH14)(Supported by
DoNREs under PC)- State management of water resources,
and river basins na�onwide.
- Promulgate and implement legal documents onwater resources.
- Promulgate technical regula�ons, standards on
ambient water quality and unit prices onwater resource planning, basic survey, explora�on,
exploita�on, use and protec�on.
- Water quality monitoring for public water bodies
na�onwide, etc.
- Standing Oﬃce of Vietnam Na�onal MekongCommi�ee

Co-coordina�ng
City, Provincial-Level People’s Commi�ee

LAW ONWATER RESOURCE
2012(Law No. 17/2012/QH13)

Decree No. 201/2013/
ND-CP detailing theimplementa�on ofsome ar�cles in the
Water Resources Law

Related Ministries (Decree No.81/2007/ND-CP;
Decree No. 178/2007/ND-CP)(Ar�cle 71, Law on Water Resource 2012)

District, Commune-Level People’s Commi�ee(Ar�cle 71, Law on Water Resource 2012)

Other Relevant Ministries, including MARD
(Decree No. 01/2008/ND-CP), MOIT (Decree No. 189/2007/ND-CP),
MOH (Decree No. 188/2007/ND-CP), MOC (Decree No. 17/2008/ND-CP),
MOT (Decree No. 51/2008/ND-CP),
MOF (Decree No. 118/2008/ND-CP), MPI (Decree No. 116/2008/ND-CP),
MOHA (Decree No. 61/2012/ND-CP), MOST (Decree 20/2013/ND-CP)

Note: MONRE: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; MARD: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; MOC: Ministry ofConstruction; MOHA: Ministry of Home Affairs; MOH: Ministry of Health; MOST: Ministry of Science and Technology; MPI: Ministry of Planning andInvestment; MOF: Ministry of Finance; MOIT: Ministry of Industry and Trade; MOT: Ministry of Transport; PC: City or Provincial People’s Committee.

Figure 2.13.9 State responsibilities for water resources management in Viet Nam(Source: Prepared by IGES based on information from the relevant decrees)136

Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries(DoNRE) under the city or provincial people’s committee
takes a leading role in the promotion of environmental
conservation activities through implementing
environmental regulations and providing guidance.

Relevant Ministries

China

Table 2.13.4 Responsibilities of other relevant ministries for water resources management

Cambodiaand Investment, and Ministry of Home Affairs (Table
2.13.4). In implementation, local governments play animportant role in environmental management. The
Department of Natural Resources and Environment

Responsibilities

Manages urban public works; design and construction of urban water supply, drainage
and urban wastewater works.

Ministry of Health (MOH)

Manages drinking water quality; responsible for preparing and supervisingwater quality standards and regulations (drinking and domestic).

Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)

Appraises the draft and publicizes the water quality standards prepared by MONRE.

Ministry of Finance (MOF)

Prepares policies on taxes and fees for water resources; allocates state budget.

Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI)

Checks and provides instructions to other ministries and sectors on the preparationand implementation of the strategies on socio-economic development; allocates, plans
and invests; coordinates international relations.

Ministry of Tansport (MOT)Manages and develops transportation on water; manages aquatic engineering andport systems.

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)

Develops hydropower via the Viet Nam Electricity Corporation (EVN).

Ambient water quality standards

Philippines
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Viet NamAt the national level, according to MONRE, the periodic
surface water monitoring program continues to operate.
It involves around 360 monitoring points for monitoring

Nepal

Water quality monitoring framework

Myanmar

Ambient water quality standards are established forsurface water, coastal water and groundwater. The Center
for Environmental Monitoring (CEM) under the Viet Nam
Environment Administration (VEA), was establishedunder Decision No. 188/QD-IDU on 23/3/2010 of the
VEA, and assists the VEA in organising, implementing
tasks of national environmental monitoring, constructionand environmental data management, applications for
information technology in environmental monitoring,and building reporting on environmental quality in thefunctional framework of the VEA. The CEM is a leading
center in the national environmental monitoring
network. Since 2005, a number of regular monitoring
programs have been carried out by the Center for
Environmental Monitoring. In order to improve efficacy
in managing monitoring data, from 2003, CEM started
developing software dedicated to this task, and in 2009–2011, under the framework of an investment project tobuild an information network system, the software wasdeveloped into a new system and modified to handle
additional requirements.

a number of the river basins, including Cau, Nhue –Day, Red River-Thai Binh, Ma, Ca, Vu Gia - Thu Bon, andDong Nai river basin about 4–5 times a year. Other
ministries also maintain their own annual environmental
quality monitoring programs, with approximately 100
monitoring points of surface water in urban areas,
areas affected by industrial production activities, with amonitoring frequency of 3–6 times/year.
At the local level, most provinces and cities haveapproved environmental monitoring network planningor the environmental monitoring plan in their areas, withnumbers of monitoring points and annual monitoring
frequency varying greatly (5–30 points; 2–6 times/year)
among localities according to local conditions andrequirements, as well as state of funding approval.
In addition to periodic monitoring activities,
investment and expansion of automatic continuous
monitoring systems have also taken place at both central
and local levels. According to statistics, there are
currently 23 continuous automatic surface water
environmental monitoring stations at the central leveland over 80 at the local level.
Monitoring data is used to review and revise policies
and countermeasures for improving water quality andconservation measures. MONRE issues the National
State of the Environment Report annually, in which major
data is made public.

Malaysia

5.3 Ambient Water Quality Standards

Lao PDR(Source: Prepared by IGES based on information from the relevant decrees defining functions and responsibilities of each relevant ministry)

Republic of Korea

Ministry of Construction (MOC)

Japan

Manages rural water supply and sanitation; manages water for irrigation and aquatic
production; flood, storm and disaster prevention; fishery, cultivation land management;
management of hydraulic engineering and dikes.

Indonesia

Ministry of Agriculture andRural Development (MARD)

137

5.4 Effluent Standards
Effluent standards

There are various effluent standards in Viet Nam
as shown in Figure 2.13.10, including for domestic,
industrial and medical wastewater. In general, industries
are required to carry out environmental impact
assessments (EIA) and have to commit to self-monitoring
four times a year, in accordance with a circular issued
by the national government. Twice a year MONRE, VEA
or/and DoNRE conduct inspections of compliance withindustrial effluent standards, which are carried out basedon prior announcement and not more than twice a year.
If a violation is suspected, “environmental police” from
the Ministry of Public Security are authorized to conduct
compulsory investigations without prior notice, andtherefore have more opportunities to identify possible
non-compliance. As mentioned earlier, currently 191
out of 244 industrial parks are equipped with automaticwater quality monitoring stations, accounting for 78.3%.
Meanwhile, no automatic monitoring systems areavailable in small-scale industrial clusters or craft villages.

Effluent inspection procedures
Wastewater discharge activities from production,business, service establishments and industrial parks
must be periodically monitored, according to theapproved environmental impact assessment report,
for which environmental protection plans have been
determined. Meanwhile, industrial zones and parks must
install automatic continuous wastewater monitoring
systems and transmit data directly to the local
Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
According to Decision No. 1620/QD-BTNMT of 21st
July 2016, on approval of inspection plans for projects,
factories or business establishments with wastewater
discharges, those organizations engaged in production

CONSERVATION OF WATER QUALITYLAW ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 2014
LAW ON WATER RESOURCES 2012
AMBIENT WATER QUALITY STANDARDS- QCVN 08-MT:2015/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Surface Water Quality- QCVN 09-MT:2015/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Groundwater Quality- QCVN 10-MT:2015/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Coastal Water Quality- QCVN 38:2011/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Surface Water Quality for Protec�on of Aqua�c Lives- QCVN 39:2011/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Water Quality for Irrigated Agriculture- QCVN 44:2012/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Oﬀ-Shore Water Quality

EFFLUENT STANDARDS- QCVN 01-MT:2015/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on the Eﬄuent of Natural Rubber Processing Industry- QCVN 11-MT:2015/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on the Eﬄuent of Aqua�c Products Processing Industry- QCVN 12-MT:2015/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on the Eﬄuent of Pulp and Paper Mills- QCVN 13-MT:2015/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on the Eﬄuent of Tex�le Industry- QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Domes�c Wastewater- QCVN 25:2009/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Wastewater of Solid Waste Landﬁll Sites- QCVN 28:2010/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Health Care Wastewater- QCVN 29:2010/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on the Eﬄuent of Petroleum Terminal and Sta�ons- QCVN 35:2010/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Discharged Produced Water for Oﬀshore Oil and Gas Facili�es- QCVN 38:2011/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Surface Water Quality for Protec�on of Aqua�c Lives- QCVN 39:2011/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Water Quality for Irrigated Agriculture- QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Industrial Wastewater- QCVN 52:2013/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Wastewater of Steel Industry- QCVN 60-MT:2015/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on the Eﬄuent of Bioethanol Processing- QCVN 62-MT:2016/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on the Eﬄuent of Livestock- QCVN 63:2007/BTNMT – Na�onal Technical Regula�on on Eﬄuent Discharged from the Cassava Starch Processing Factories
OTHER RELEVANT LAWS, DECISIONS, DECREES, CIRCULARS, ETC.

Figure 2.13.10 Relevant laws, standards for conservation of water quality in Viet Nam(Source: Prepared by IGES based on information from the relevant Laws, Standards, Decisions, Decrees, Circulars, etc.)138Chapter 2: Country Profiles of Water Environmental Management in WEPA Countries

Myanmar
Nepal
Philippines
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Viet Nam

The revised Law on Environmental Protection 2020,
which has recently been approved by the National
Assembly on 17th November 2020, consisting of 16
chapters with 171 articles regulating environmental
protection activities and stipulating the rights, duties
and responsibilities of agencies, organizations,resident communities, households and individuals inenvironmental protection activities. This Law will comeinto effect from January 1, 2022.
In addition, one of the most recent development inwater environment management is Decision No. 622/
QD-TTg on10th May 2017 by the Prime Minister, related
to the issuance of the National Action Plan for

Malaysia

6 | Recent Developments inWater Environmental Management

Lao PDR

Administrative violations related to water environment
are specified in two documents: Decree No. 155/2016/
ND-CP, related to environmental protection, and Decree
No. 33/2017/ND-CP, related to water resources andminerals.

Republic of Korea

The current tax policy is based on the viewpoint oflimiting activities that adversely affect the environment
in general and the water environment in particular, as
well as activities having a direct or indirect impact onenvironmental protection. The 2009 Law on Natural
Resources Tax stipulates that “natural water, including
surface water and underground water, except natural
water used for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and salt
production” is subject to natural resources tax. The law
also stipulates that “natural water used for agriculture,
forestry, fishery and salt production” is not subject toSanctioning of administrative violations in
the field of environmental protection andwater resourcesJapan

Tax policy related to the water environment

The environmental protection fee for wastewater has
been regulated by the Government of Vietnam andimplemented since 2003, and regulations on such
fees have undergone two changes to date. According
to Decree No. 154/2016/ND-CP, the environmental
protection fee for wastewater continues to apply todomestic and industrial wastewater. Collection of thefees has been assigned to local authorities, with the
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
collecting the fees for industrial wastewater, and cleanwater service providers (i.e., People’s Committees ofcommunes, wards and towns) collecting the fees fordomestic wastewater.

Indonesia

In recent years, environmental management in Vietnam
has focused more on the use of economic tools, including
taxes, environmental fees or other forms of sanctions
or compensation as measures to complement otherconventional standard-based approaches.

Environmental protection fee for wastewater

China

5.5 Other Policies on Water Environmental
Management

tax; and that “Natural water used for hydropower
production by households and individuals to produce
for domestic use and Natural water exploited byhouseholds and individuals for domestic use” are subject
to natural resource tax exemption. Implementing anatural resources tax on natural water contributes toencouraging exploitation and rational use of natural
resources in order to help better protect natural
resources.

Cambodia

and business activities that discharge wastewater into
the receiving environment (industrial establishmentswith wastewater discharge flowrates of 200 m3/day ormore and at risk of causing environmental pollution insea or river basins) must be regularly inspected by both
central and local authorities. Further, according to Article
37 of Circular 25/2019/TT-BTNMT of December 31, 2019
(MONRE), project owners, or production, business orservice facility owners are responsible for preparing
regular annual environmental monitoring and protection
reports (covering work activities, environmental
protection measures, environmental monitoring, solid
waste and hazardous waste management, andmanagement situation of scrap imported under theguidance in Appendix IV of the Circular). These annual
reports (January 1 to end of December 31) must be sent
to the competent agency/authority (Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment) before January 31 of thefollowing year. Concurrently, establishment owners orenterprises must maintain all related documents forsharing with competent state agencies when they visit
for inspections and examination.
During 2014–2018, the Ministry of Natural Resources
and Environment presided over and coordinated withother ministries and localities in carrying out inspections
and examinations of over 3,000 establishments,
industrial parks and industrial complexes nationwide.
Sanctions were issued for 1,400 violating organizations,with fines exceeding 200 billion VND (MONRE 2018).

139Implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development
Agenda. Viet Nam’s sustainable development goal to2030 consists of 17 goals and 115 targets, corresponding
to the global SDGs elaborated in the document“ Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development” adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in September 2015. Thesetargets cover all the UN SDGs targets with several
modifications and adjustments suitable in the context ofViet Nam. Concerning the water and sanitation relatedgoal, SDG 6, MONRE, MARD, MoC and MoF have been
assigned as lead organizations in implementing therelated targets – specifically, MONRE is responsible fortargets 6.1d, 6.3b, 6.4, 6.5, and 6.6; MoC for 6.1a, 6.2,
and 6.3a; MARD for 6.1b; and MoF for 6.1c, 6.3c.

Remaining challenges

140

7 | Challenges and Future Plans
Over the last 2 decades, a number of efforts made havebeen made by both central and local governments aswell as donor agencies to improve the water quality andenvironmental landscape of lakes and rivers, especially in
big cities and provinces such as Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho
Chi Minh City, but despite this, the issue of surface waterpollution in lakes, rivers and canals remains. Surface
water quality in many cities continues to decline, due tocontamination from organic substances, nutrients andmicrobial contamination, as these areas receive large
amounts of untreated or improperly treated wastewaterfrom both domestic and industrial sources.
Below gives a list of the challenges that remain as
well as recommended necessary actions to be considered:
Necessary actions proposed

Institutional challenges

i. Reviewing, supplementing and completing legal policies on water environmental protection
ii. Assignment and consolidation of state management system for water environment protectioniii. Develop and promote the implementation of river basin planning, zoning planning, water
exploitation and use

Enforcement challenges

i. Strengthen activities of water pollution control, inspection, examination and enforcement ofcompliance with the law on water environment protection
ii. Apply economic tools, scientific and technological solutions in water environment protectioniii. Effective investment to thoroughly solve hotspots of water pollution in river basins; waste source
control; effective prevention and control to minimize contamination of the water environment
iv. Raising awareness and enhancing community participation and responsibility in water
environmental management and protection
v. Promote international cooperation activities in water environmental management and protection,
especially transboundary issues

Resource and financial challenges

i. Promote international cooperation activities
ii. Attract private investment

Technical challenges

i. Promote international cooperation activities
ii. Screen production types and production technologies in attracting investment, ensuring not
to attract outdated production technologies into Vietnam; choose environmentally friendly
technologies for hazardous waste and organic matter pollution