A Strategy to Promote Sustainable Drinking Water in Vietnam by Rainwater Harvesting

Abstract

Currently, drinking water problems in Vietnam are more common due to high population growth, rapid urbanization, degradation of water quality and over exploitation of water resources. To date, the water supply system highly depends on centralized system by using the surface and groundwater; with a negligibility of rainwater. However, the conventional centralized water supply is facing many issues i.e. limited water resources (both quality and quantity) because of e.g. contaminated surface/ground water, drought, and salinization. For many decades in Vietnam, rainwater harvesting (with a relatively high yearly precipitation of around 1.680 mm) has been widely used as a nature-based solution in rural areas. But recently, rainwater for drinking has been gained much attention from the Vietnam Government. Therefore, this study implemented the demo RWH system in Vietnam to identify the technical, economical, and social barriers, and suggesting proper strategies to overcome and promoting RWH spread widely for Vietnam Government. Technical barriers are lack of the design guideline and manual, professional skill and established market for rainwater harvesting. While, economic barriers are that it is too expensive to install and maintain and that is not profit generating system. Social barriers are lack of (a) knowledge of rainwater and rainwater harvesting system, (b) communication amongst the users and stakeholders, and (c) high expectation about the tap water installation. In order to overcome the technical, economic and social barriers, four demo RWH systems for school at rural area in Vietnam have been installed and monitored for several years. Through these demo systems, the sustainability of the RWH was proved. Technically, the rainwater quality meets the Vietnam drinking water standard – QCVN 01-2009. Water can be supplied during the dry season. The maintenance fee can be collected by reducing the water-purchasing fee. The science group in school can be involved in the routine maintenance of the RWH system. All the village people should be involved in the activity of the rainwater education and promotion. New strategies to promote sustainable drinking water in Vietnam is suggested. Firstly, community RWH should be established and operated with self-monitoring and operation. Secondly, technical design guidelines and training to improve rainwater quality as well as operation and maintenance manual should be provided. Thirdly, encourage the private sector or enterprise to implement RWH for community by the incentive strategy. In addition, a market for rainwater harvesting equipment should be established. Fourthly, to promote RWH system widely, the communication can be implemented in the school through the student and teacher activities such as education, training, contest, event etc. These activities bring large positive impacts to the villagers and communities. Finally, Vietnam Government should support research activities and implement laws and regulations to promote RWH by providing financial incentives, and to encourage people to harvest rainwater for various purposes.