The project is expected to help address the challenges posed by contaminants from domestic and industrial wastewater.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a cooperation agreement with Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training on a project to develop a water supply system that is resilient to contaminated water sources.

The project has funding of 250 million JPY and is part of the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) 1 Programme.

The project will focus on the research and development of a new water treatment technology using advanced nanofiltration membranes, with low energy consumption and less use of chemicals and without requiring pre-treatment.

An online water quality monitoring system will also be deployed to enhance the reliability of the water treatment system.

The project will be implemented over five years from July 2023 to June 2028, with the main executing agencies being the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering and the Hai Phong Water Supply Company.

The project is expected to help address the challenges posed by contaminants from domestic and industrial wastewater, ensure a safe and sustainable water supply, and implement Vietnam’s national strategy and master plan for a clean water supply and environmental sanitation.

According to JICA, population growth, urbanisation and high growth rates in Vietnam have increased pressure on the exploitation of natural resources, especially water.

Increasing water pollution and climate change have created many challenges for ensuring a safe water supply, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Therefore, developing sustainable water treatment technology and a digital monitoring and management system is highly important.