Mekong delta rural water supply situations and development measures

Abstract

     The Mekong Delta region consists of 13 provinces and cities, of which 11 are coastal provinces. The Mekong Delta has an area of about 40.000 km2, accounting for 12.3% of the total area of the country. Annually, 50% of the area of the Mekong Delta is in flood for 3-4 months while 40% is affected by saltwater intrusion. The population of the Mekong Delta is 18 million, which accounts for 20% of the national population, of which over 80% lives in rural areas. The Mekong Delta has a relatively low and flat terrain with average elevation ranging from 0.7 to 1.2m above sea level. This region is severely impacted by climate change and directly affected by tide and saltwater intrusion. In recent years, under climate change and sea level rising conditions, water shortage happens in most rural areas in the Mekong Delta due to deep saltwater intrusion, prolonged drought and flooding, and declining water quality. An assessment of the impacts of climate change on rural water supply has been conducted, providing a solid basis for the development of practical solutions to Mekong Delta rural water supply under climate change conditions.