Salinity Intrusion Threatens Agriculture and Daily Life in the Mekong Delta

2026-02-11

Freshwater Means Livelihood

In the Mekong Delta, saltwater intrusion is increasingly impacting freshwater supply, agriculture, and livelihoods. This region produces more than half of Vietnam’s rice output, nearly all of its rice exports, and a significant share of fruit and aquaculture production. For tens of millions of residents, reliable freshwater is directly linked to economic stability and community well-being.

When salinity rises, the impact extends beyond water quality—it affects harvests, supply chains, employment, and regional resilience.


Salinity pressure is already visible

As the 2025–2026 dry season progresses, provincial authorities are implementing coordinated measures to secure freshwater supply:

     ·Monitoring salinity levels as they push tens of kilometers inland along major rivers

     ·Reinforcing dikes and sluice gates

     ·Expanding canal dredging and reservoir management

     ·Establishing emergency freshwater distribution points in rural areas

     ·Deploying RO desalination and water treatment systems to ensure continuous supply

These measures illustrate the urgent need for stable and reliable water treatment technology in regions affected by brackish water and high TDS conditions.


Agriculture and communities at risk

The Mekong Delta’s farming and aquaculture sectors are particularly sensitive to saltwater intrusion. Rising salinity can reduce crop yields, damage soil quality, and disrupt water-dependent livelihoods.

Smallholder farms and cooperative networks are especially vulnerable, as limited infrastructure and dispersed operations make them less able to buffer against fluctuating water quality. Reliable RO membrane technology helps stabilize water availability, safeguarding both daily life and food production.


Technical demands for high-salinity environments

Salinity intrusion introduces variability in feed water, including:

     ·Fluctuating total dissolved solids (TDS)

     ·Pressure swings and flow variation

     ·Seasonal dry periods

     ·Potential fouling from organic matter and sediments

To maintain continuous freshwater supply in these conditions, RO membranes must meet several critical requirements:

     ·High tolerance to salinity and variable water quality

     ·Consistent rejection and flow under fluctuating conditions

     ·Long-term operational reliability

     ·Predictable energy and maintenance costs

     ·Flexible integration into local water systems

Reliable membrane performance is essential for both domestic water security and agriculture resilience in coastal and delta regions.


HJC’s role in sustaining freshwater supply

HJC RO membranes are specifically designed for high TDS and brackish water environments, providing consistent performance throughout extended dry seasons.

Our technology supports:

     ·Agricultural operations by ensuring irrigation water remains safe and abundant

     ·Rural communities with stable drinking water supply

     ·Water treatment operators in maintaining predictable output, even under rapidly changing source conditions

By combining robust separation, fouling resistance, and operational efficiency, HJC membranes help water systems withstand salinity pressure and maintain continuous freshwater availability.


Securing livelihoods through reliable water

Freshwater supply is fundamental not only to survival but also to regional economies. Every cubic meter delivered consistently protects crops, supports aquaculture, and sustains households.

In the Mekong Delta, where saltwater intrusion is a constant challenge, reliable RO membrane technology is a cornerstone of water management strategies—ensuring that communities, farms, and supply chains can continue to thrive despite environmental pressures.

HJC is committed to delivering this reliability, providing water treatment solutions that stand up to salinity challenges while supporting sustainable development and food security in the region.