Why did To Lich River turn clearer and significantly less smelly on September 1?
On the afternoon of September 1, at the river’s head (intersection of Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Hanoi), observations showed that water from West Lake was being strongly discharged into the river.
The supplemental water flow has helped To Lich River become clearer in color, and the foul odor has also reduced significantly compared to before. Many capital residents have come to the banks of To Lich River to catch and fish from West Lake as the water flows into To Lich River.
Only Temporary
On the afternoon of September 1, a representative from Hanoi Drainage One Member Limited Liability Company stated that To Lich River began receiving supplemental water from West Lake starting August 31, combined with rainwater from recent days, making the river clearer and less foul-smelling.
«However, to have enough water for To Lich River, water must come from the Red River. For now, it’s only temporary,» this person said.
The discharge of water from West Lake into To Lich River in recent days is due to heavy rain raising the lake’s water level by over 6 meters. To lower the water level, West Lake discharges about 7-8cm per day into To Lich River.
On the morning of September 1, a representative from the West Lake Management Board stated that after the direct discharge phase, water from Sen Lake — a pilot project of a filter bed with submerged plants using treated water from the West Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant — will be supplemented into West Lake before continuing to be supplied to To Lich River.
Supplemental water into the lake ensures treated standards
The West Lake Management Board stated that the current supplemental water source into the lake is treated water meeting standards from the West Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant, with a flow rate of approximately 13,000m³ per day and night, while the plant’s design capacity reaches 15,000–22,800m³/day.
Previously, at a working session with the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee in late November 2024, the General Secretary spent considerable time addressing two major issues of the capital: environmental pollution and traffic congestion.
The General Secretary emphasized the urgent task of treating water source pollution, particularly in To Lich River.
Immediately afterward, the Secretary of the City Party Committee and the Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee personally inspected the site, requiring the «revival» of To Lich River to be completed before September 2.
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To Lich River
The Tô Lịch River is a historically significant river flowing through the center of Hanoi, Vietnam, which was once a major natural waterway and part of the city’s ancient defense system. Today, it is primarily known as a severely polluted urban canal, though recent efforts and cultural projects have aimed to restore its environmental and spiritual significance to the capital.West Lake
West Lake is a renowned freshwater lake in Hangzhou, China, celebrated for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. It has inspired poets, artists, and scholars since the 9th century and is surrounded by numerous temples, pagodas, and gardens. In 2011, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape that exemplifies the ideal harmony between humans and nature.Red River
The Red River is a major waterway in North America, forming part of the border between the U.S. states of Texas and Oklahoma and flowing into the Atchafalaya River in Louisiana. Historically, it was a vital transportation and trade route for Native American tribes and later for European settlers. Its basin was also the site of significant 19th-century U.S. military expeditions and the famed Red River Campaign during the American Civil War.Sen Lake
Sen Lake is a scenic freshwater lake located in the city of Suzhou, China, with a history dating back over 2,500 years to the Spring and Autumn period. It is renowned for its classical Chinese gardens, traditional pavilions, and stone bridges that exemplify the region’s ancient landscape design. The lake remains a popular cultural destination, celebrated for its historical significance and enduring natural beauty.West Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant
The West Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant is a modern municipal facility dedicated to treating sewage and protecting local water quality. While its specific history is not widely documented, such plants represent critical 20th and 21st-century infrastructure developed in response to public health and environmental regulations. Its primary function is to remove contaminants from wastewater before safely returning it to the environment.Hoang Quoc Viet Street
Hoang Quoc Viet Street is a major thoroughfare in Hanoi, Vietnam, named after the esteemed Vietnamese chemist and intellectual, Hoang Quoc Viet. Historically, the area was undeveloped but has transformed into a modern hub for diplomatic missions, embassies, and high-rise urban developments.Hanoi Drainage One Member Limited Liability Company
The Hanoi Drainage One Member Limited Liability Company is a modern state-owned utility enterprise responsible for managing the drainage and wastewater systems in Vietnam’s capital city. It was established to address the critical need for modern urban infrastructure and flood prevention as Hanoi has expanded. The company plays a vital role in the city’s public health and environmental sanitation efforts.West Lake Management Board
The West Lake Management Board is a government body established to oversee the conservation and administration of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hangzhou, China. It is responsible for maintaining the lake’s famous gardens, historic temples, and causeways, which have been celebrated in Chinese poetry and art for over a millennium. The board ensures the preservation of the area’s cultural landscape, which has evolved since the 9th century.
