People in Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam, are excitingly using free water from drinking water fountains installed recently by state-owned Saigon Water Corporation (Sawaco) at public places.

As noted by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper’s reporters, Sawaco on Saturday morning installed drinking water fountains at various public places in downtown areas in District 3, including the city Children's House, the War Remnants Museum, Quoc Te Square, District 3 Health Center, Southern Women's Museum and Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital.

The firm, the city’s largest tap water provider, said it has installed nine water bubblers in the district and will continue the installation in days to come.

Many residents told Tuoi Tre that they felt very happy to drink free water amid the hot weather.

Nguyen Thuy Duong, a student at the University of Industry and Trade, said the drinking water fountain installed in front of the War Remnants Museum is very useful.

People now can drink tap water or use it for a face wash, she added.

Nguyen Thuy Duong, a student at the University of Industry and Trade, fills up a bottle with tap water from a drinking water fountain installed in front of the War Remnants Museum in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam on December 14, 2024. Photo: Bui Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Nguyen Thanh Hoang, a traditional taxi motorbike driver, said that free drinkable tap water is very meaningful for those who work outdoors amid the hot weather.

According to Sawaco, all drinking water fountains are managed by software.

Water quality information will be updated and announced via QR codes attached to the fountains.

The company will monitor microbiological indicators monthly or quarterly and check all quality targets every year according to prevailing standards. 

Sawaco will also assign staff to clean the drinking water fountains and the surrounding areas at least twice a day, and weekly check the status of the fountains and make repairs or replacements if necessary.

Fountain filter cartridges will be replaced periodically as per the manufacturer's recommendations or immediately in case the quality of the drinkable water fails to meet standards, the firm stated. 

Sawaco said it will coordinate with local authorities to manage and control all the drinking water bubblers.

The municipal People’s Committee on Friday directed relevant units to continue supporting Sawaco in installing drinking water fountains at other public places in the city.

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