Concentrating on the Red River water supply project
One of the main causes of severe pollution of the To Lich River is the interruption and exhaustion of the flow, especially in the dry season. Without additional water from upstream, the river has almost become a "wastewater drainage" with slow flow, accumulating dirt and emitting a foul smell.
From the end of 2024 to now, a series of projects have focused on accelerating construction on the To Lich River. One of the key projects being accelerated by Hanoi City is the water supply system from the Red River to the To Lich River.
This project is expected to bring a new "backbone" to the river, helping to maintain a stable flow throughout the year, limit odor and improve water quality.
The main pumping station is located in Phu Thuong ward (Tay Ho district), with a capacity of 3-5 m3/s. The water will be conducted through the D1200 pipeline, more than 5km long, to the starting point of the To Lich River (Hoang Quoc Viet culvert). At the same time, 3 dams will be built at Cong Moc, Dau Bridge and To Lich - Kim Ngu intersection to keep water levels stable and create continuous flow.
The total investment for this supplement is 550 billion dong, deducted from the city budget. The goal of completing the entire project before September 2025, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Capital Liberation.
Comprehensive connection with Yen Xa wastewater treatment system
Along with the addition of clean water, preventing pollution at the source is a prerequisite for reviving the To Lich River. Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant - with a capacity of 270,000 m3/day and night is being built to treat wastewater from inner-city districts, including water flowing into To Lich river, Lu river, Set river and part of Nhue river.
The first phase of the plant will be operational from the end of 2024, while the sewer system will be completed in 2025-2027. When synchronized, this plant will help end the situation of direct discharge into the river, improving the quality of input water.
Evaluating measures to revive the To Lich River, Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Thi An emphasized that if the river wants to " survival", it must have a flow. Bringing water from the Red River will help create natural flow, while the Yen Xa plant will thoroughly handle the wastewater problem. The coordination of these two projects will create a premise for the To Lich River to truly revive.
Comprehensive dredging, improving flow
Accompanying clean water and wastewater treatment projects, the dredging of the To Lich Riverbed has been urgently implemented since the beginning of 2025. This is to remove the sediment and waste and create appropriate depth, helping the water circulate better and limit odor.
It is expected that the entire dredging volume will be completed in August 2025, before the water supply system officially comes into operation.
Talking to Lao Dong, Mr. Trinh Ngoc Son, Deputy General Director of Hanoi Drainage Company Limited, informed that the sludge is concentrated in the area from upstream to Lu Bridge and is being thoroughly treated by the unit. The dredging process not only clears the flow but is also an important preparation step for receiving new water from the Red River.
The simultaneous implementation of water supply, wastewater treatment, river dredging and water level regulation projects is creating a major change in the journey to revive the To Lich River. This is not only an environmental solution, but also demonstrates Hanoi's strong commitment to sustainable development and building a green, clean, and livable urban area for the future.
