On February 28, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issued Circular No. 05/2025/TT-BTNMT, which promulgates the National Technical Regulation on Domestic Wastewater and Urban/Residential Wastewater — code QCVN 14:2025/BTNMT. This regulation officially takes effect on September 1, 2025, and replaces QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT on domestic wastewater.
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QCVN 14:2025/BTNMT stipulates the permissible limit values of pollution parameters in domestic wastewater and in urban/residential wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies. Domestic wastewater is understood as waste generated from daily human activities such as eating, bathing, washing, and personal hygiene. Wastewater originating from investment projects, service establishments, or business facilities is managed under this domestic wastewater regulation.
The regulation also classifies limit values according to discharge zoning (Column A, B, C), corresponding to the intended use and sensitivity of the receiving waters. If no specific zoning is identified, Column B is applied by default in accordance with QCVN 14:2025/BTNMT.
The main parameter limits are clearly specified in Table 1 (for urban/residential wastewater) and Table 2 (for domestic wastewater from projects and facilities). For example, pH values must be within the range of 5–9 for domestic wastewater; BOD₅ is limited to a maximum of 30–40 mg/L depending on Column A, B, or C; COD is limited from 80 to 100 mg/L. In addition, the regulation prescribes limits for parameters such as sulfide, animal/vegetable oils and fats, as well as anionic surfactants, depending on the discharge zoning and flow.
Regarding the implementation roadmap, facilities that have already been put into operation or have received approval of environmental impact assessments before September 1, 2025 are allowed to continue applying QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT until December 31, 2031. After this deadline, all facilities must comply with QCVN 14:2025/BTNMT. In cases where the function of the receiving water body changes due to new regulations, the competent authority will decide on an appropriate adjustment schedule.
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