During the dry season (from November of the previous year to May of the following year), water becomes scarce, forcing residents to collect water from streams and use it sparingly. However, water from streams and natural springs is often unsanitary, posing health risks such as gastrointestinal and eye diseases. To address this issue, various water supply projects have been constructed. Surveys have been conducted in highland communes in districts such as Nậm Pồ, Mường Ảng, and Điện Biên in Điện Biên province to develop water pipelines and storage tanks for residents. The national program for clean water and rural sanitation has prioritized funding for water supply infrastructure. As part of the national target program for new rural development, localities have invested in water supply systems, gradually meeting the required standards. Thanks to these efforts, 85% of rural households in the province now have access to sanitary water. However, water shortages persist during the dry season and even in the rainy season, particularly in highland areas.

Water supply in the province is managed by the Điện Biên Water Supply Joint Stock Company, which operates 12 water supply facilities, including 9 water treatment plants in Điện Biên Phủ city and various districts and towns. Since 2021, the company has also been responsible for three additional rural water supply projects in the communes of Thanh Chăn, Thanh Luông, Noong Luống, and Thanh Hưng (Điện Biên district). To provide clean water, the company has implemented various measures to regulate water distribution, maintain sanitation, and prevent waterborne diseases.

The company sources water from Nậm Khẩu Hu Reservoir (Hua Thanh commune, Điện Biên district) and ensures its treatment and quality control before distribution. During the rainy season, high turbidity levels in raw water affect filtration rates and quality. The company must reduce filtration speeds, regularly monitor water quality indicators, and regulate the flow of untreated water to the treatment plants. Despite these efforts, clean water services are primarily available in urban and central areas, while highland residents still rely on self-flowing water from streams.

With over 1,100 centralized water supply facilities across the province, 99.6% of the urban population has access to clean water, while 85% of the rural population has access to sanitary water. Rural households mainly rely on household-scale water systems, following official guidelines on proper water use. Water shortages are uncommon in urban areas but remain a chronic issue in highland regions, especially during the dry season. The lack of water severely impacts daily life and agricultural activities. To address this issue, many water supply projects have been built or repaired, with additional support provided through water tanks and storage containers. Authorities also encourage communities to protect forests and preserve water sources.

In highland areas, most water supply systems rely on self-flowing sources, which are unstable and often dry up during the dry season. Additionally, residents lack awareness of post-construction management and maintenance, leading to rapid infrastructure deterioration. In Tủa Chùa district, approximately 17,000 people lack access to drinking water, with shortages most severe in highland villages. Only 2.4% of households have access to clean and safe water due to damaged water supply facilities, insufficient repair funds, and depleted stream sources. Many residents also neglect the maintenance of existing facilities. To address this, under the National Target Program for Socio-economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas (2021-2030), Tủa Chùa district has distributed water tanks to impoverished households. The “Clean Water for Tủa Chùa” project is being implemented in Mường Báng and Xá Nhè communes, raising awareness about water management and maintenance while providing equipment for repairing pipelines, storing, and filtering water for daily use.

Water plays a crucial and decisive role in sustaining life - without water, life cannot exist. Therefore, the National Water Resource Planning for 2021-2030, with a Vision to 2050, was approved by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 1622/QĐ-TTg on December 27, 2022. This strategic plan ensures long-term water resource management, harmonizing distribution to meet the socio-economic development goals outlined in the 10-Year Socio-economic Development Strategy (2021-2030). The plan prioritizes water supply for household use, social stability, poverty reduction, and sectoral and regional development while maintaining sustainable water resources. Currently, the province's annual water demand is estimated at 226 million cubic meters. However, water conservation, efficient use, and resource protection have not been effectively implemented. To safeguard water resources, the Điện Biên Water Resource Plan (2025-2035) has been approved, promoting equitable and efficient water distribution across industries and regions while prioritizing domestic and economic uses.

Water is essential for both daily life and agricultural production. Therefore, efficient exploitation and use of water resources are necessary, along with stringent measures to prevent and address water source contamination. Campaigns to raise the public’s awareness should be strengthened to educate citizens and businesses about the importance of water conservation, encouraging compliance with legal regulations on water resource protection.