The Vientiane Water Supply State Enterprise has warned residents that the onset of the dry season is causing low water levels at the city’s main treatment facility, disrupting tap water supply across parts of the capital.
Officials noted on 13 February that declining water levels in the Mekong River, the primary source for the Chinaimo Water Treatment Plant in Sisattanak district, have hampered water extraction, causing production to fall short of planned output.
As a result, water pressure and flow to higher-elevation areas have slowed.
Residents in areas supplied by the Chinaimo plant, located in southeastern Vientiane, are among the most affected.
However, the problem extends well beyond Sisattanak. Residents across the capital report chronic water shortages regardless of the season, pointing to what many describe as years of inadequate infrastructure and poor management.
“Normally, even during the rainy season, tap water hardly comes,” one resident wrote online.
One commenter questioned why authorities had not studied the local environment before building the new treatment pond, noting that the area already had dry patches and low spots.
“They only focused on construction without considering that it would cause problems every year. Water problems are the same as electricity problems, the authorities just let it be. Management didn’t really check or pay attention,” the comment read.
Residents from other districts echoed similar frustrations.
“In North Nongtha village in Xaythany district, whether it’s the dry season or the rainy season, the town still suffers from water shortages,” one local wrote.
A resident from Xaysettha district added: “In South Thatluang village, I never see any water from 7 AM until around 11 PM, maybe just once or twice.”
Tap water shortages in Vientiane Capital have persisted for years without an effective resolution.
The Water Supply State Enterprise urged residents to use water sparingly and efficiently, and said it is working to address the issue as quickly as possible.


