HCMC – The Mekong Delta is bracing for worse saltwater intrusion during the 2025 dry season, with the salinity boundary of 1g/l predicted to extend 8-16 kilometers further inland compared to the multi-year average, according to the Vietnam National Mekong Committee.

At Tan Chau station in Tay Ninh Province, January water levels are forecasted to range between 1.2 and 1.8 meters, impacted by tidal variations. Average daily water flow is projected at 5,200-7,800 cubic meters per second, a 5-10% decrease compared to January 2024. Chau Doc station in An Giang Province is expected to see water levels of 1.4-1.9 meters, with daily flows of 450-1,000 cubic meters per second. Total water flow for the month is estimated at 1.7-1.9 billion cubic meters, a 20-25% decline from the multi-year average and a 5-10% drop compared to the same period last year. The reduced water flow will allow saltwater to penetrate further inland along the Hau, Tien, and Vam Co Tay rivers. The 1g/l salinity boundary could advance 1-9 kilometers deeper than in 2024, while the 4g/l boundary may move 6-15 kilometers beyond the historical average. Authorities are urging provinces at risk of saltwater intrusion to closely monitor salinity levels and optimize water storage systems to mitigate impacts. Areas likely to be affected include parts of Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Kien Giang, and Hau Giang provinces.