In Vietnam, frequent failures with respect to urban water improvements have
been costly experiences. While many domestic water projects have been approved to be
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quickly launched into operation, a lack of understanding of household demand for
water, household demographics, financial status, and household water use behaviour on
the part of the provideres have resulted in failed projects and frustration at both ends.
The final result is that the people’s demand for reliable water services has not been met
(Water Supply Company, 2002). Households in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) are using
unreliable, poor quality piped water and paying relatively cheap monthly water bills.
Many households also use non-piped water e.g. from tube-wells, for their daily
domestic needs.