Hanoi river turns black again after temporary recovery

The return of black water to the river came shortly after the cessation of water supplementation from West Lake.

At the head of the river near Hoang Quoc Viet Street, the water flow from West Lake stopped on Thursday, leaving the river with a black hue and visible signs of contamination.

A representative from the Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Company told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that after heavy rains brought by a recent storm, water levels in West Lake rose sharply.

To manage the overflow, water was pumped into the To Lich River, which temporarily improved its condition.

However, once West Lake's water level returned to normal, the water pumping initiative was halted.

As a result, the river became polluted again, with black scum forming on the water surface.

The representative explained that a sustainable solution depends on completing a pipeline system designed to supply water continuously from West Lake to the To Lich River.

Two pipelines, each 1.2 meters in diameter, are currently under construction.

Since the project is not yet finished, the water inlet at the river remains sealed.

Workers are now racing to complete the system within the next 10 days.

During an on-site inspection in December last year, Hanoi chairman Tran Sy Thanh ordered that the water replenishment system be completed by September 2, 2025, no matter the circumstances.

However, the project is likely to exceed its deadline.

On Monday, water from West Lake was released into the To Lich River, making the water clearer and reducing the odor.