INVESTIGATING POLLUTION CAUSES AND RESIDENTS' WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN DAU SAU CANAL, CAN THO CITY

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the causes of pollution and assess the willingness of residents to pay for improving the water quality of Dau Sau canal. The research involved a field survey combined with interviews of 60 households living along the canal, along with on-site measurements of key water quality parameters, namely,  pH, temperature, turbidity (NTU), dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS). The results showed that about 90% of respondents believed that the surface water quality in Dau Sau canal was at a level of heavy to very heavy pollution. The main causes of pollution were identified as domestic wastewater and production activities, which adversely affect public health, business activities and the living environment. The water quality analysis results also recorded pollution at all surveyed locations. Factors such as education level, perception of pollution level and impact of water pollution all play an important role in determining willingness to pay. Solutions proposed by the people include increasing public awareness, strictly controlling waste sources and periodically dredging canals. The research results provide a valuable scientific basis for managing and improving water quality in the Dau Sau canal.