Abstract

This study examines Vietnam’s policies and laws on the circular economy in water resource use. The 2020 Law on Environmental Protection, the 2023 Law on Water Resources, and relevant Prime Ministerial decisions provide a foundation for water efficiency, circulation, and reuse. Implementation remains constrained by the absence of fit-for-purpose quality requirements, an unclear legal status for treated wastewater, insufficient allocation of responsibilities, and fragmented monitoring data. The study recommends risk-based regulation of the entire reuse chain, stronger inter-agency coordination, and effective enforcement.

Keywords: Circular economy, water resources, standard, water reuse, wastewater.