5. Drinking water sources

5.1. Introduction

In Cambodia, surface water, groundwater and rain water, are all major sources for drinking and other domestic purposes. During the rainy season, Cambodia has a tremendous quantity of water to fill watercourses, wetlands, lowland areas, etc. With this large amount of water, Cambodia and other countries in the region flood annually, which adversely affects human health, infrastructure, and the environment.

During the dry season, people in most rural areas are faced with water shortages, and of course, they spent a lot of time searching for water away from their homes in order to respond to daily demands. In addition, people sometimes have no choice but to use contaminated water if the need arises.

Access to water supply, which has been defined as a basic level of service for drinking water over the years, varies significantly by region. The 1997 study of the Ministry of Rural Development and JICA in 1997 estimated that there are approximately 5.7 million people in rural areas who lack access to clean water; the number of people who lack clean water for consumption rose to 6.9 million in 2000 (reference to population growth of 2.8 percent per annum).

“Increasing water supply in terms of both quality and expanded services in response to market demands, while responding to people with sustainable services.” The government policy that aims to provide people with clean water as well as contribute to improving the lives and welfare of the people.

In the implementation of this policy, the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Energy is now focusing on private company investment in this sector. Water supply by private companies has increased notably with a suitable response to the annual plan (see table below).

Table1 : Civic/Provincial clean water supply from 1999 to 2001

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Table of contents > 5. Drinking water sources

5.1. Introduction

5.2 Safe drinking water

5.3. Drinking water in study areas