Cambodia Project Profile
Quick Facts
Capital: Phnom Penh
Population: 15 Million
Access to Improved Sanitation: Only 6 million
Key Information: Cambodia’s recent history includes horrific genocide at the hands of the Khmer Rouge regime. It’s one of the poorest countries in SE Asia.
WTW’s Impact: Over 30,000 people have been reached with clean water.
Water Solutions Used: Well Drilling, Latrines, Ceramic Water Filtration, & W.A.S.H. (Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene)
Background
Cambodia is a country located in Southeast Asia with over 15 million people. Over 50% of the rural Cambodian population does not have access to safe drinking water. Despite Cambodia’s growing tourism industry, it is one of the poorest countries in the region.
The main source of water for Cambodians is water collected from rainfall. The reality is that this method of water collection leads to illness and oftentimes death without proper filtration. The collected water often becomes a breeding ground for parasites. Without means of filtration, disease such as dysentery, intestinal parasites, and diarrhea can arise.
Another common issue is contaminated water from improper waste disposal. The trash from cooking, cleaning, and daily life is usually thrown on the ground, which then seeps into the soil, leading to numerous toxins in water sources.
There is a lack of proper infrastructure in Cambodia, not only for homes, but also rainwater runoff in more populated areas. Water stagnates, contaminating rivers and streams, creating a hazard for drinking water throughout the country.
Wine To Water’s Impact
Wine To Water began working in Cambodia in 2008 with a goal to provide clean water and sanitation tools to those who did not have any access to water or sanitation in the most rural areas of Cambodia.
Since 2008, Wine To Water and its local team in Cambodia have directly benefited over 30,000 Cambodians. Cambodia is also an excellent location for volunteer opportunities, which include well digging, latrines, ceramic filtration W.A.S.H. (Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene) education programs.
Water Solutions Used
- Well Construction: Our ground team primarily works in an area called the Svay Rieng province where access to water can drastically change your quality of life. Beneficiaries use the water for crops and livestock as well as drinking. Each well is drilled and outfitted with a steel hand pump and a circular concrete pad around the pump to prevent well contamination.
2. Ceramic Water Filtration: A ceramic filter is used in accordance with each well constructed in Cambodia due to the high levels of naturally occurring arsenic. Each filter, made from clay and sawdust, is fired in a kiln. This process burns up the sawdust and creates tiny micro-pores that allow only clean water to filter through the ceramic membrane; bacteria and viruses are trapped due to their large size. Nano silver , a natural antibiotic, is also added to the outside of each filter for an added layer of protection from disease.
3. Latrines: Latrines, for waste disposal, is a large part of our work in Cambodia. Proper sanitation and hygiene practices, such as latrine use, paired with a water source can drastically reduces the chance for waterborne illness. Each latrine is constructed using local materials and adheres to W.H.O. standards.
