Côn Đảo has rapidly emerged as one of Vietnam’s most attractive island destinations, welcoming an average of 2,000 visitors each day. While tourism brings economic opportunities, it also places growing pressure on the island’s freshwater supply. Ensuring sustainable water management has become a critical challenge—one that directly impacts daily life for residents and long-term development of the island.
Low Groundwater Reserves on a Rocky Island
In recent years, weakened tap-water pressure has raised concerns among residents about potential shortages. Many households report that water flow becomes extremely low during peak hours, especially in the early evening.
Although the Côn Đảo archipelago consists of 16 islands, only the main island—Côn Sơn—has natural freshwater sources. Its steep terrain and predominantly rocky mountains mean groundwater storage is limited. Most freshwater is collected in a handful of reservoirs that together store just under two million cubic meters.
Monitoring shows that water quality remains acceptable for now. However, increased tourism, economic growth, and environmental pressures pose rising risks. Early signs of pollution—organic matter in reservoirs, oil traces in coastal water, and microbial contamination in groundwater—highlight a fragile system under strain.
Water Plant Operating Beyond Designed Capacity
According to the island’s Water Supply Station, Côn Đảo’s population is approximately 8,700 residents, not including temporary workers or military forces. With tourism numbers factored in, the island often serves more than 11,000 people per day.
The water plant has a designed capacity of 3,800 m³ per day, but in reality must operate beyond that limit to meet demand—especially during the dry season from March to May, when groundwater levels drop sharply. To ensure essential supply, authorities must periodically regulate distribution, prioritizing residential areas over commercial use.
Côn Đảo’s water system has expanded significantly since the island’s first water station opened in 1983, yet challenges remain due to the island’s remote location, hilly topography, and growing tourism industry.
Strict Protection of Reservoirs
Freshwater is vital for both community well-being and sustainable development. Because of this, local authorities have strengthened protection measures for the island’s key reservoirs. Current projects include dredging to increase storage capacity and assessing new locations for additional reservoirs, particularly in areas vulnerable to seasonal shortages.
To safeguard water quality, the district requires businesses to properly treat wastewater before discharge, conducts regular inspections, and organizes clean-up activities around lakes and water sources. Livestock activities near watershed areas are also being reviewed to prevent contamination.
A Shared Responsibility
For an island with limited natural freshwater, protecting water resources is not simply an environmental task—it is a matter of survival. As Côn Đảo continues to grow as a tourism destination, sustainable water management and community awareness will be essential to preserve both quality of life for residents and the pristine environment that visitors come to enjoy.
