The drought ravaging the island since June 30 has led to the higher water demand, particularly in the context of high numbers of tourists.
The lack of water has affected the island during the dry season for many years.
Tourists on Cu Lam Cham Island
On the rainy season, the water amount of local streams such as Bai Bim and Bai Huong are basically enough for the islanders, but during the dry season from April to August, the water level often sharply drops.
Up to 50 percent of local residents use underground water daily. However, because of the island’s characteristics, underground water in the Hon Lao area provides an insufficient 1,263 cubic metres per day, said Tran Tan Dung, secretary of Tan Hiep Commune.
Besides the water insufficiency, the water quality is also a matter of concern. According to a report from Da Nang University’s Environment Centre, in 2012, surface water of Bai Bim and Bai Huong was enough; but now, the source has been polluted due to waste from the poultry and cattle breeding.
The underground water in the island also faces the pollution. Water found at the depth of 25-30 metres has become salinised.
The old well in Cam residential area, the island’s big fresh water source, also has shown signs of salt intrusion.
In the first six months of this year, Cu Lao Cham served 212,000 tourists, up 1.81% on-year. The higher travel number has resulted in larger water demand.
Experts forecasted that Cu Lao Cham would confront with the water shortage of 13,000 cubic metres by 2020 and the figure would be 48,000 cubic metres by 2025.
Quang Nam authorities have instructed to build a water treatment station for Bai Bim Stream reservoir.
The province has provided VND4 billion (USD181,818) for the islanders to help with water purifiers and water storage tanks in the 2017-2018 period. The province has planned to build a reservoir for Bai Huong to ensure better supply.