Gia Tan Water Supply Joint Stock Company has appealed to the Dong Nai People's Committee for urgent support to address a critical raw water shortage. This scarcity is severely affecting water supply to nearly 30,000 households across Dinh Quan, Thong Nhat districts, and the former Long Khanh City.

Mr. Duong Dao Truong Tho, general director of Gia Tan Water Supply Joint Stock Company, stated that the company recently sent a formal request to the provincial authority. The issue stems from Tri An lake's water level being low at the end of the dry season, compounded by a rapid growth of green algae in the water intake area. This combination directly hinders the plant's ability to extract and treat water effectively.

The Tri An lake area has receded about 2 km from the shore. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

Between 24/7 and 26/7, the lake's water level fluctuated between 50,4 and 50,8 m. The dense green algae forced the company to intermittently halt water intake, discharge water from treatment tanks, and clean the entire system. These measures were necessary to ensure that the output water quality met the stringent standards set by the Ministry of Health.

In response to this pressing situation, the Dong Nai People's Committee has requested the Tri An Hydropower Plant to temporarily regulate and maintain the lake's water level at approximately 52 m during peak periods. This intervention aims to stabilize the raw water intake system, limit further algae intrusion, and ensure the plant can maintain a capacity of 33,000-35,000 m3 per day, which is essential to meet the basic needs of residents and businesses.

Mr. Tho explained that the company is actively investing in extending its pipelines to reach deeper water areas and is implementing a rotational water supply schedule in the most affected locations. While the plant currently meets about 90% of the overall demand, approximately 2,000 households continue to experience water shortages.

Tri An lake serves as the reservoir for the Tri An Hydropower Plant, located on the Dong Nai River. The plant, which began operations in 1987, consists of four units with a total design capacity of 400 MW.

Unlike other water supply units in the urban areas of Bien Hoa, Binh Duong, and TP HCM, which primarily extract raw water from the Dong Nai River, Gia Tan Water Supply Joint Stock Company draws its water directly from Tri An lake, specifically from the section passing through Thong Nhat commune. The company's plant has a design capacity of approximately 40,000 m3 per day.

The water intake area typically experiences low levels during the dry season, which generally lasts from May to July annually. This recurring phenomenon poses significant difficulties for raw water extraction and treatment operations, making it a persistent challenge for the company.

By Phuoc Tuan