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Ensuring clean water supply for Cat Ba’s tourist season

Hai Phong News 31/05/2026 10:21

Summer 2026 is expected to bring a continued surge in visitors to Cat Ba, driving higher demand for clean water.

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Workers of Hai Phong Water Supply Joint Stock Company operate the seawater filtration system at Cai Gia Water Treatment Plant.

Prepare water sources early

In recent years, tourism on Cat Ba has grown rapidly, increasing the need for fresh water. In 2025 the island welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors, and 2026 is expected to exceed 4.7 million. The expansion of resorts, hotels, urban areas and tourism services is further raising water demand. Forecasts indicate peak summer water use this year could surpass 11,000 m³/day, with the Cat Ba tourist hub accounting for more than 8,000 m³/day.

Pressure to secure supplies is intensifying as the island’s natural water sources face greater impacts from climate change and seasonal dry spells. In response, Hai Phong Water Supply Joint Stock Company has developed multiple water-supply scenarios, while reviewing the entire distribution system and assessing operational capacity at treatment plants, pumping stations, seawater treatment units and groundwater wells.

Safeguarding water security

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Workers of Hai Phong Water Supply Joint Stock Company operate the water supply system at Cai Gia Water Treatment Plant.

According to Deputy General Director of Hai Phong Water Supply Joint Stock Company Cao Van Quy, the company prepared an operational plan for water supply ahead of the 2026 summer tourist season. Measures include continued surveying and drilling of additional groundwater wells, maintaining operation of seawater treatment clusters with a capacity of around 2,500 m³/day, and drafting contingency plans to transport clean water from the mainland to the island by barge and tanker trucks if necessary.

Under the contingency plan, about 1,000 m³ of clean water per day can be delivered from the mainland to the island by barge. Although this option carries high operating costs and weather-conditions, it remains an important measure to reduce the risk of localized shortages during peak months. Alongside technical solutions, detailed measures to regulate distribution have been prepared. In case of shortages, available water will be prioritized for residents’ daily needs, government offices and essential services.

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Tran Chau freshwater reservoir is currently undergoing repair and upgrades.

As Cat Ba strengthens its position as a national and international marine-ecotourism center, ensuring a reliable supply of clean water is critical. Stable water sources not only meet residents’ needs but also help improve tourism service quality, support the island’s image as a green and safe destination, and promote sustainable development. Therefore, accelerating investment in systems to supply clean water from the mainland to the island is a necessary step to create a stable, long-term source that meets the socio-economic needs of the Cat Hai special zone in the coming time.

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Ensuring clean water supply for Cat Ba’s tourist season