Cambodia's Water Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

Cambodia is facing a water crisis, with millions of people lacking access to clean water and sanitation facilities. The country experiences heavy rainfall and has the Mekong River flowing through it, yet water scarcity and pollution are significant issues. Contamination of water sources, lack of infrastructure, and improper waste disposal are key factors contributing to this crisis. The impact is severe, particularly on children's health and development, and the situation is exacerbated by limited access to healthcare and the high cost of treatment for waterborne illnesses. With a large rural population, a growing economy, and the challenges of climate change, Cambodia needs tailored solutions to improve access to safe water and reduce water pollution.

Improve access to safe water and sanitation in rural areas

Cambodia's water and sanitation crisis is particularly acute in rural areas, where 75% of the population lives. The country has made progress towards safe water and sanitation, but there is still much to be done.

• Address institutional and regulatory bottlenecks: Cambodia's government has set an ambitious target of 100% coverage of rural sanitation services by 2025. To meet this goal, it is imperative to address the various institutional and regulatory bottlenecks that are slowing down progress.
• Strengthen institutional capacity: The World Bank and Stone Family Foundation partnership has helped enhance the capacity of institutions to deliver water supply and sanitation services, enabling evidence-based decision-making for water supply investments and boosting the capacity of private water operators to serve rural residents. Building the capacity of institutions responsible for delivering and managing water and sanitation services is key to expanding access.
• Increase private sector engagement: The private sector plays a vital role in providing clean and safe water supply to rural households. Facilitating local bank lending to private water operators and encouraging more private sector participation in water service delivery can help expand access.
• Improve financial management: Lack of financial management and sector-wide approaches to collecting financial information are significant issues. Strengthening financial management systems and approaches can help address funding gaps and meet the 2030 national goal for the water and sanitation sector.
• Expand water treatment infrastructure: While there are water treatment plants in some urban areas, these are insufficient to meet the needs of all citizens. Expanding water treatment infrastructure in rural areas can help improve access to safe water.
• Promote behaviour change: UNICEF's work in Cambodia focuses on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for underserved children and their communities. They aim to transform the way people think about hygiene and ignite a change in how they use WASH facilities. This includes educating people about the importance of using toilets, clean water, and soap to improve hygiene and reduce water pollution.

Reduce plastic pollution

Cambodia's rapid economic growth has resulted in widespread deforestation and an increase in plastic waste, threatening its precious water sources. The country's plastic waste problem is complex, with plastic consumption being synonymous with daily life. To reduce plastic pollution in Cambodia, several strategies and initiatives can be implemented:

Education and Awareness

Spreading awareness and educating the public about the harmful effects of plastic pollution are crucial. This includes informing people about proper waste management practices, such as responsible disposal and recycling methods. By bridging the gap between knowledge and action, individuals can be empowered to make sustainable choices and reduce their plastic consumption.

Alternative Solutions and Innovations

Promoting and developing viable alternatives to plastic products is essential. This involves encouraging the use of reusable bags, containers, and packaging materials. Businesses can be incentivized to adopt eco-friendly practices and offer environmentally friendly products. Supporting innovations, such as the Handypod, which filters toilet waste through a floating hyacinth garden, can help keep waterways clean.

Waste Management Infrastructure

Cambodia's waste management systems, particularly in rural areas, are often informal and overwhelmed. Investing in waste management infrastructure and improving recycling capabilities are necessary to address plastic pollution effectively. This includes establishing proper collection, sorting, and disposal systems, as well as integrating the private sector more efficiently.

Cross-Sector Collaboration

Tackling plastic pollution requires collaboration between various sectors, including government, businesses, and local communities. By working together, they can develop and implement sustainable solutions. For example, the government can enforce regulations and policies to reduce plastic consumption and improve waste management practices. Businesses can be encouraged to reduce plastic packaging and adopt eco-friendly alternatives.

Individual Actions

Individuals can make a significant impact by reducing their plastic consumption and properly managing their waste. This includes refusing single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and disposable water bottles. Instead, they can opt for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles. Additionally, participating in community clean-up initiatives and supporting organizations dedicated to combating plastic pollution, such as TONTOTON, can make a substantial difference.

Improve hygiene education and infrastructure

One of the most important aspects of reducing water pollution in Cambodia is improving hygiene education and infrastructure. This is especially crucial in rural areas, where a lack of knowledge about proper sanitation and hygiene can have dangerous consequences. Implementing hygiene education programs can help raise awareness about the importance of clean water, proper waste disposal, and basic hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap.

To improve hygiene infrastructure, it is essential to provide access to safe and clean water for all Cambodians, especially in rural areas. This can be achieved by developing and improving water treatment and distribution systems, ensuring regular water supply, and promoting affordable access to safe water. The installation of community wells, for instance, can provide a reliable source of clean water and reduce the reliance on potentially contaminated water sources.

Additionally, improving sanitation facilities is crucial. This includes providing access to safe and hygienic toilets, as well as proper waste management systems. Addressing the issue of open defecation, which is prevalent in rural areas, is essential to prevent the spread of diseases and reduce water contamination. This can be done by constructing and maintaining adequate toilet facilities and promoting their use through education and awareness campaigns.

Furthermore, special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, such as children and people with disabilities. Ensuring that schools have access to clean water, separate toilets for boys and girls, adequate handwashing facilities, and disability-friendly infrastructure is vital. Educating children about proper hygiene practices can also help create a generation that values and prioritises hygiene and sanitation, contributing to a healthier future for Cambodia.

By combining improved hygiene education with enhanced infrastructure, Cambodia can make significant strides in reducing water pollution and improving the overall health and well-being of its citizens. These measures will help prevent water-borne illnesses, reduce environmental contamination, and foster a culture of hygiene and sanitation that will benefit both current and future generations.

Implement water purification systems

Cambodia's water crisis is a significant issue, with 70% of the population lacking access to safe water. Implementing water purification systems is essential to address this problem and ensure that all Cambodians have access to clean drinking water.

Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from water, making it fit for human consumption and other specific purposes. There are several methods that can be employed to purify water, including physical, chemical, and biological processes, as well as advanced technologies.

For Cambodia, a combination of these methods could be utilised to provide safe drinking water to its population. Here are some ways in which water purification systems can be implemented:

• Physical Processes: This includes filtration, sedimentation, and distillation. Filtration involves passing water through porous materials such as sand or gravel to remove particles, suspended solids, and organic matter. Sedimentation uses gravity to settle solid particles, making them easier to remove. Distillation is the process of converting water into vapour and then condensing it back into liquid form, leaving behind impurities.
• Chemical Processes: Chemical treatments use substances like chlorine or disinfectants to kill harmful microorganisms. Oxidation breaks down pollutants into smaller components using agents like hydrogen peroxide. Ion exchange removes impurities by exchanging ions between a resin and the water.
• Biological Processes: Biological treatments use microorganisms and plants. Bioremediation employs bacteria to break down pollutants, while phytoremediation involves growing plants in contaminated water to absorb and break down pollutants.
• Advanced Technologies: Membrane technologies, such as reverse osmosis, use semi-permeable membranes and, in the case of reverse osmosis, high-pressure pumps to force water through, removing impurities. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) use high-energy light or radical species, such as UV light or ozone, to break down pollutants.
• Other Methods: Implementing rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling can also help reduce water pollution. Rainwater can be collected and stored for later use, while wastewater can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes.

By employing these water purification methods and technologies, Cambodia can work towards ensuring that its population has access to safe and clean drinking water, improving health outcomes and reducing waterborne diseases. It is important to note that a combination of these methods may be required to effectively treat water, depending on the specific contaminants present and the quality of the source water.

Develop new water sources resilient to droughts and floods

Cambodia is highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures and rainfall intensities causing more frequent and severe flooding events. UNICEF is working with the Royal Government of Cambodia to upgrade existing water sources and develop new sources that are resilient to droughts and floods. This involves:

• Mapping out and analysing areas that are most vulnerable to climate shocks, such as those with households dependent on agriculture.
• Conducting assessments to determine the feasibility of new ground and surface water sources to meet demand.
• Implementing a water safety plan to address existing and potential challenges to water security and ensure sustainable water supply in the future.

UNICEF, in collaboration with the Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA) and private water suppliers, is installing climate-resilient water systems in provinces that are most vulnerable to climate change. For example, in the case of Mr Peng Hong, a private water supply operator in Kampong Speu province, UNICEF and CWA have drilled and connected four boreholes to his system, providing an alternative source of water in case of future shortages. They have also installed a solar energy system to power the treatment plant and pump water to households, which has resulted in improved water pressure and a more stable supply.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is also supporting the Cambodian government in undertaking structural and non-structural measures to prepare for and manage disaster risks linked to floods and droughts. This includes enhancing regional data, information, and knowledge base for flood and drought management, as well as upgrading or developing water management infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions