As an island district, Côn Đảo has limited reserves of groundwater, and water shortages may occur during the dry season. For this reason, the Côn Đảo District People’s Committee has implemented strict measures to safeguard the island’s freshwater reservoirs and groundwater sources.
UPGRADING FRESHWATER RESERVOIRS
According to Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thùy Trang, Deputy Head of the Côn Đảo Water Supply Station, 99% of the island’s population currently has access to clean water from the district’s supply system (the remaining 1% includes unlicensed constructions and areas without water pipelines). This figure does not include tourists.
Since 2016, early and prolonged rainy seasons—lasting until November—have helped increase the water levels in local wells, supporting the district’s water production capacity. However, during peak tourism seasons, the sudden surge in visitor numbers leads to a dramatic rise in water demand, creating significant pressure on the water supply system.
“There were times when the water plant operated at full capacity, employing all safety measures for uninterrupted water supply, yet still could not meet the sudden increase in demand,” Ms. Trang shared.
A representative of the Côn Đảo Department of Natural Resources & Environment (DONRE) explained that although the district comprises 16 islands, only Côn Sơn Island contains freshwater sources. The terrain is steep and mountainous, resulting in a very limited groundwater storage capacity. Freshwater is stored mainly during the rainy season in reservoirs such as An Hải, Quang Trung 1, Quang Trung 2, Lò Vôi, and Cỏ Ống, with a total capacity of nearly 2 million m³.
Therefore, protecting freshwater sources is one of the district’s top priorities, ensuring sufficient water for residents, tourists, and business activities—especially as tourism continues to grow.
Measures Implemented Since 2018
The district has adopted several solutions to preserve and maintain water levels in freshwater reservoirs:
- Completion and operation of Quang Trung II Reservoir
- Surface area: 10.4 ha
- Normal storage capacity: 645,000 m³
- Dredging and expanding Quang Trung I Reservoir, increasing its capacity to approximately 600,000 m³
- Ongoing surveys for the construction of new reservoirs at Cỏ Ống and Đất Dốc, aimed at increasing freshwater reserves for daily use and firefighting.
PREVENTING FRESHWATER DEPLETION
According to Mr. Lê Văn Phong, Chairman of the Côn Đảo District People’s Committee, aside from upgrading reservoirs, the district government has strengthened supervision and environmental protection:
Key Actions Include:
- Requiring businesses to treat wastewater before discharge
- Conducting annual monitoring of groundwater, tap water, reservoir water, and coastal seawater in areas such as Cỏ Ống, Bến Đầm, and central reservoirs
- Advising residents not to use groundwater for drinking or daily consumption
- Promoting safe and reasonable use of agricultural chemicals
- Requiring strict treatment of wastewater from livestock farming and production facilities
- Organizing sanitation cleanups around An Hải Reservoir
- Inspecting households engaged in small-scale livestock raising near watershed areas
Strict Management of Groundwater Extraction
To protect groundwater resources, the province has issued strong regulatory measures. In March 2017, the district released Official Document No. 431/UBND-TNMT, which states:
“All drilling and extraction of groundwater without proper authorization is strictly prohibited.”
In 2019, the district continued implementing registration procedures for groundwater extraction.
These regulations aim to prevent pollution, avoid depletion of groundwater reserves, and ensure sustainable protection of freshwater resources—vital for socio-economic development.
EXPANDING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
To better meet local water needs, Côn Đảo District has invested in upgrading its water supply infrastructure:
Installation of a 45 m³/hour filtration system
Replacement and improvement of water pipelines in the town center
Construction and renovation of storage tanks:
- 1,600 m³ at the main water plant
- 400 m³ pressure tank on the Cỏ Ống route
- 800 m³ pressure tank on the Bến Đầm route
Investment in a new water treatment plant with a capacity of 3,000 m³/day
These measures aim to ensure a stable, long-term supply of clean water for residents, businesses, and the growing number of tourists visiting Côn Đảo.
