The lack of clean water in the highlands of Quang Tri: When will the worry end?

QTO - Although many water supply projects have been invested in, bringing positive changes to the lives of people in the mountainous areas of Quang Tri province, the issue of clean, safe, stable, and sustainable water sources still remains a major concern. Especially in remote villages and border areas, where natural disasters are becoming increasingly severe, the need for clean water is not only for daily life but also linked to health, education, and the long-term development of the community.

Water has reached the village… but the worries are not over yet.

In Huong Lap commune, a border area still facing many difficulties, water has been a persistent problem for generations. Difficult roads and rugged mountainous terrain make accessing clean water challenging. Previously, to obtain water, people had to walk for kilometers to streams and deep into the forest, carrying water in cans back to their villages.

Teachers and students at Trang Ta Puong school bring water back to school for daily use - Photo: NB

The change began when water supply systems were built with the joint efforts of border guards and philanthropists. Water tanks and pipelines bringing water from the streams to the villages helped people no longer have to carry water on their backs every day.

Ms. Ho Thi Hoa, residing in Cu Bai village, Huong Lap commune, shared that normally in the summer, the water source is very clear and clean, making it convenient for daily use. However, after just a few days of heavy rain, the water becomes murky and unusable. At that time, people have to empty their tanks and wait for the water to clear up again or find an alternative source. “These past few days, it has been raining continuously, so the water is constantly murky, causing many difficulties for the people. We have to wait for the water to clear up before we dare to use it,” Ms. Hoa said.

This reality shows that, although there is water, it cannot yet be called "clean water" in the true sense. The main water source is still naturally flowing spring water, untreated and easily affected by weather and the surrounding environment. The concern about clean water is not only present in residential areas but also at schools in mountainous regions. At Trang Ta Puong school, Huong Viet Kindergarten, teacher Nguyen Thi Lan Anh still has to carry water in containers from the central tank to the school every day to use for cooking and daily activities for the children. Although there is a drilled well, the water is contaminated with alum and lime, making it unusable for drinking.

Using water from unknown sources has always been a concern for teachers and students in mountainous areas - Photo: NB

According to Ms. Lan Anh, the water they are using is actually just water from a stream, with an unknown and untreated source. Therefore, teachers are always worried when using it. "We use it because we have no better option. But if you ask if it's clean water, we can't confirm that," she shared.

For preschool children, a vulnerable group susceptible to environmental factors, unsafe water sources pose numerous health risks. This is a constant concern for teachers and parents alike.

Sustainable solutions are needed.

Faced with the difficulties of the local people, the border guard force has played a crucial role in connecting and mobilizing social resources to build water supply facilities. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Tuan Anh, Commander of Huong Lap Border Guard Station, Provincial Border Guard Command, said that the area where the unit is stationed has complex terrain, a harsh climate, and many people still lack basic necessities. Understanding this, the unit has proactively mobilized organizations and individuals to join hands in building water facilities to serve the people.

"People in border areas urgently need clean water facilities. In the coming time, we will continue to mobilize resources to build more facilities so that people have a more stable water supply," Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Tuan Anh affirmed.

Water supply project supported by Border Guard for people in Huong Lap commune - Photo: NB

These projects not only contribute to improving people's lives but also help them feel secure in their villages, thereby enabling them to work with border guards to protect the border, boundary markers, and maintain border security and sovereignty . However, from a management perspective, the issue of clean water in mountainous areas cannot be limited to small-scale, spontaneous projects.

Mr. Doan Quang Anh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dakrong commune, frankly acknowledged: While the percentage of people using hygienic water is high, the percentage using clean water that meets standards is very low. This is due to the fragmented terrain, frequent natural disasters damaging infrastructure, and limited investment resources. According to Mr. Doan Quang Anh, the locality is planning to develop drilled wells combined with filtration systems to create a more stable source of clean water, but still needs significant support from higher levels of government.

Throughout the province, the rural water supply landscape has improved, but many gaps remain. Mr. Bui Thai Nguyen, Director of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Center of Quang Tri province, stated: Currently, about 64.3% of rural households in the province use clean water that meets standards, but only about 40% have access to centralized water supply systems. Notably, Quang Tri is heavily impacted by natural disasters. Floods damage water supply systems in mountainous areas, while droughts and saltwater intrusion affect the lowlands. This leads to rapid deterioration of infrastructure, making it difficult to maintain long-term effectiveness.

People in the highlands still struggle with fetching water every day - Photo: NB

The reality in mountainous villages shows that while water is available, it's not necessarily clean. Water supply projects have brought about significant changes, easing the burden on the people. However, to ensure public health, more fundamental solutions are needed: investing in water filtration and treatment systems, and comprehensive and sustainable management. The Provincial Center for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation is advising on the development of a clean water development plan for the period 2026-2030, prioritizing inter-regional projects, especially in the western region, where many areas still lack access to clean water.

"We already have a specific investment portfolio. The most important issue now is resources. If we have the funding, the projects can be implemented immediately," Mr. Bui Thai Nguyen emphasized.

Furthermore, social mobilization is identified as a key solution to reduce budgetary pressure and introduce new technologies into the rural and mountainous water supply sector. Clean water is not only a basic need but also a foundation for economic development, education, and improving the quality of life. For mountainous regions, bringing clean water to villages is not just about infrastructure; it also requires attention, responsibility, and collaboration from many parties. To alleviate the "thirst" for clean water in mountainous areas, more resources, determination, and strong policies are needed in the future.

Yuan Bao

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202605/khat-nuoc-sach-o-vung-cao-quang-tri-bao-gio-het-lo-2493364/