Severe water shortages persist in parts of the Mekong Delta

Widespread and severe shortages

According to a dry-season water security report for the Mekong Delta by the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research, river flows across the Mekong Basin showed positive trends in March 2026, with total water volumes at key monitoring stations exceeding long-term averages.

At Chiang Saen, Thailand, total flow reached approximately 5.0 billion cubic meters, about 1.0 billion cubic meters above average. At Pakse in Laos, the figure was 9.7 billion cubic meters, up by 2.0 billion cubic meters, while at Kratie in Cambodia, flows reached around 12.0 billion cubic meters, exceeding the average by 2.7 billion cubic meters.

Water levels at upstream stations remained above historical averages, although they declined slightly toward the end of the month. At Kratie, discharge at the end of the period was approximately 4,826 cubic meters per second, about 1,186 cubic meters per second higher than average, indicating that upstream water availability remained relatively abundant in the early dry season.

Reservoir systems across the basin have also played a crucial role in regulating flows. By early April 2026, total regulated storage capacity reached approximately 35.7 billion cubic meters, with an estimated 38.94 billion cubic meters available for use during the dry season. This significant volume provides flexibility to supplement downstream flows during peak drought periods.

However, conditions in the Mekong Delta tell a contrasting story. During the first 20 days of March, the region experienced almost no rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 29 degrees Celsius and low humidity, accelerating drought risks. Water shortages have become widespread, particularly in rice-growing areas.

Several locations reported severe deficits: Moc Hoa recorded a shortfall of about 166.8 mm, Can Tho 162.0 mm, and Soc Trang 159.0 mm. These figures highlight that despite improved upstream flows, limitations in water distribution and retention within the delta remain a major bottleneck. Many areas lack adequate infrastructure for water storage or rely too heavily on natural flows.

Another unfavorable factor is the ongoing shift toward a warmer climate phase, which may intensify heat and water scarcity in the coming months. This suggests that drought and salinity pressures in the Mekong Delta are unlikely to ease in the short term, despite improved overall water availability. Without timely intervention, risks to agricultural production and daily life will continue to rise.

Proactive water storage is needed

Nguyen Nghia Hung, Deputy Director of the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research, emphasized: “Although water conditions this year appear more favorable, the Mekong Delta remains heavily dependent on transboundary flows. Close monitoring of upstream operations, along with proactive water storage and regulation within the region, is essential to ensure water security during the dry season.”

In response, proactive salinity control, increased freshwater storage, and adjustments in agricultural production have become more urgent than ever. Local authorities must continuously update water forecasts, operate irrigation systems flexibly, and adapt cropping schedules to real conditions.

In Vinh Long Province, the Department of Agriculture and Environment issued Official Dispatch No. 2944 on April 9, 2026, requiring localities to actively manage production and water supply during the dry season. Monitoring upstream Mekong flows has been identified as a key factor in ensuring both agricultural production and daily water needs.

Meanwhile, Ca Mau Province implemented Plan No. 107/KH-UBND on water resource management for the 2025-2026 dry season, starting in early March 2026. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment has instructed communes and wards to review and propose solutions to address domestic water shortages. The Center for Rural Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation has urged local authorities to strengthen public communication, encourage water conservation, and promote proactive water storage to cope with prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions. Residents are also encouraged to promptly report any issues for timely resolution.

These measures highlight the critical role of local governments in coordinating and supporting communities as they adapt to increasingly extreme weather conditions.

In the context of relatively stable upstream water supplies but ongoing uncertainties, the paradox of “plenty of water but persistent shortages” will remain a major challenge for the Mekong Delta throughout the 2026 dry season.

According to forecasts by the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research, river discharge at Kratie in April 2026 is expected to reach around 4,040 cubic meters per second, continuing to exceed long-term averages. However, salinity intrusion remains a significant concern. The 4‰ salinity boundary may penetrate 30 to 38 kilometers inland during early-month tides and 30 to 35 kilometers mid-month. In the Vam Co River system, intrusion could extend as far as 43 to 50 kilometers.

This situation requires local authorities not only to focus on securing freshwater supplies but also to proactively implement salinity control measures to safeguard agricultural production and livelihoods across the region.