Water Access Program

Pump and Pull-Pump Wells are greatly needed to provide rural Cambodia with access to clean, potable water.

Pictured here is the newer Pull-Pump Well which was designed by the Cambodian well drilling team.

It uses technology appropriate for the region and is less expensive to build than a cast iron pump well. It is also easier and cheaper to repair and maintain. The well is constructed using PVC pipe and can be repaired with bicycle tire tubes. Either type serves approximately three families.

Without them, most rural villagers must use dirty water from deep holes in the ground or equally unpotable surface water from ponds or rice fields.

Pictured here is the older cast iron pump well. To ensure that they are deep enough to provide a consistent year round water supply, both types of wells are generally installed at the end of the dry season (April through June).

*Note: While trying to collect water for their families, children are often in danger of falling into and drowning in the traditional open pit wells, the type to which most rural Cambodians are accustomed. To alleviate the danger, pull-pump wells can be drilled and constructed at an average cost of $100 USD; pump wells around $150 USD.

To ensure that collected water is safe to drink, Bio-sand filters have become a necessity.

This simple, easy to maintain design effectively filters parasites, viruses, bacteria, and iron.

The filtration rate is approximately 80 liters—20 gallons—a day, enough to serve three families or about 15 people. Cost: $45 USD.

*NOTE: As many as 135 million people will die from water-related diseases by 2020 if no action is taken to provide suitable means of obtaining clean drinking water (Pacific Institute, 2002).