Current status and risks of underground water for house holds in Cu Chi district - Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

This study was conducted to survey the current status, the risks of groundwater resources for house holds in Pleistocene aquifers to serve the households in the Cu Chi district - Ho Chi Minh City during the period from March 1st– 30th 2015.

The sample were divided into two main groups: from individual well for households which are used directly and from industrial pumping well by SAWACO.

Survey results showed that:

 - Quality of water: There are popularly low iron content and pH in the survey area; however, Binh My Commune has very high iron content, above 10 mg / l. Other indicators are in accordance with standards except Pham Van Coi and Thái Mỹ Commune with very high NO3 + NH4 + , beyond permitted standards.

- The treated water quality: 100% samples meet the QCVN02 standards: 2009 / BYT about water quality

Regarding risk assessment, this research is used to evaluate the water resource risks by DRASTIC and the health risks by substances, capable of causing cancer (As), incapable of causing cancer (Mn , Hg, Cr6 +, CN- ).

These results showed that although the risks are considered very low, the measures still need taking to manage, control and to achieve a safe, sustainable water supply.