In recent days, the river’s water level has risen significantly compared to previous years at this time, and with much less odour.
A representative of the Hanoi Sewerage Company stated that heavy rains had pushed the water level in West Lake above six metres, prompting the discharge of water into the To Lich River.
"The discharge will continue in the coming days,” the official said.
Residents living nearby welcomed the change. Hoang Tung, 69, said: “Walking along the banks or across the bridges, you can clearly see the river’s water has changed. It creates a poetic landscape that people here have dreamed of for decades."
Nguyen Thuc Quynh, 37, from Lang Street, said locals had suffered for years from the black, foul-smelling river. “Now that the water is clean, we are delighted. We only hope it will stay this way,” he said.
According to the West Lake Management Board, water released into the To Lich River has been treated to meet environmental standards at the West Lake wastewater treatment plant, which has a capacity of approximately 13,000 cubic metres per day.
If the clearer water is maintained, the To Lich River banks could become an ideal spot for exercise and leisure activities in Hanoi. On the afternoon of August 31, four to five people were even seen fishing near Hoang Quoc Viet Street, a rare sight that had not been observed for decades.
Hung Manh, a longtime resident, said: “For nearly 30 years, this is the first time I've seen the river stay clean this long. In the past, it would only look better for a few days after heavy rains before turning foul again. This time, I believe it'll truly change.”
Since 2009, Hanoi has introduced several projects to revive the To Lich River, but results have fallen short of expectations.
