Purple water in Vietnam’s Thanh Hoa Province linked to company’s untreated wastewater discharge

Residents in Quang Trung Hamlet, Thach Quang Commune said well water used for daily activities had turned purple and emitted a strong odor, forcing them to stop using it and buy bottled water.

Surface water in the Bai Ron stream flowing through the area was also discolored and foul-smelling, raising concerns among residents.

Tong Van Vang, deputy chairman of Thach Quang Commune, said 26 households had been affected and authorities had advised residents not to use well or stream water while samples were being tested.

Following inspections with provincial environmental authorities, officials determined the source to be untreated wastewater discharged by Hanoi BOB Co Ltd (Branch 1), Vang said.

The company has acknowledged responsibility, provided initial remediation, and supplied clean water to residents pending test results, while the source of the odor has not yet been determined, he added.

A company executive said the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when workers allowed untreated laundry wastewater to overflow during the processing of a batch of dyed clothing.

Local authorities and the company are working to contain the impact and restore safe water supply to affected households.