Clean water is one of the most basic needs for human survival. Although most of Cambodia has plenty of water, what is available to the majority of families is either natural surface water, or water made available in shallow, hand dug. Both of these sources are filled with mud, insects and disease, and covered over by even dirtier water during the yearly floods. Putting in a well with a simple hand operated pump allows access to clean underground water. Having clean water from a reliable source not only allows families to have water for cooking and drinking but also allows for bathing and laundry, all of which reduces the causes of disease and illness. In addition to better health and hygiene, the families will have the opportunity to plant an additional crop that does not rely on seasonal flooding for irrigation. This additional crop creates a more balanced diet and creates an economic opportunity by enabling the family to sell excess produce at the market. Our primary goal is to offer relief, not continuous aid. In having better health and economic opportunity the families are able to prosper and become self-sufficient.The equipment that we install is simple, something we believe is critical in any solution. We are installing wells and pumps that can be maintained with simple procedures and that do not place an economic burden on those that receive them. CCWP is proud of our efforts in the use of Cambodian materials, personnel and resources, whenever possible. We believe that this helps others towards individual success.

Families waiting for water wells (Click to see Families in Need)

There are many families that we have completed our assessment with and are awaiting a well. Come and visit our gallery and meet the families and villages whose needs we are trying to meet your help. During the assessment process we look at several aspects of the families and their situations. Our first step in any area is to work with the local administration to establish who has the greatest need. We will then meet the family and explain our expectations. We ask that they not only take care of the well and equipment but also, that although the well will be located at or near their home, it is intended to be communal and shared with their neighbors. The short and long term care of the well is also communal and they will be completely responsible for the well after 6 years.

Funding a pump well

- There are 3 sizes of wells that CCWP installs in the most communities in Siem Reap.

1. SMALL WELL 50 mm (1.96 in) pipe diameter $385.00

This is by far the most common well, this size well and the equipment needed to install it is capable of reaching to the underground water sources in most of the areas that we are working.

2. MEDIUM WELL 60 mm (2.36 in) pipe diameter $515.00

Occasionally, there is a situation where the ground conditions, water table depths or access to the area dictate the use of larger well and different drilling equipment. This medium sized well can be effectively installed and is able to meet the needs in these areas.

3. LARGE WELL 100 mm (3.93 in) pipe diameter $2500.00

In areas where conditions are the most difficult, usually due to the depth of the water table, the best decision is to put in the large well that will serve a small group of families or a village. This enables us to meet the water needs of a larger group more economically.

Each well includes (Photo of well)

• A well drilled to the average depth of 20 to 30 meters. The average water table penetration is 7 meters.
•  Installation of PVC piping and hand operated Steel pump. The Steel pump has been shown to perform the best under the conditions of the area.
• Installation of a concrete apron around the well head to improve sanitation and function.
• A sign acknowledging the donor (plaque of family).
• CERAMIC WATER FILTER (CCWP)* $35.00
• CISTERN for the storage and clarification of water* $60.00 (Not included).

Although the water that is supplied by the wells is clean and potable, there is a very slight trace of sediment. This sediment is extremely fine and the water has a nice clear appearance (Low Turbidity). Allowing the water to sit for a short period of time or the use of a basic water filter will eliminate this sediment and prevent complications from long term (25 - 30 year) mineral consumption. Information about each well is included on our website page. The information will include; pictures of the well and the families that received it, basic information about the donor if they wish GPS coordinates of the well and a link to our interactive map that shows the location on Google Earth. If the donor would like to visit their well or any other project while visiting Cambodia, they simply need to contact us and we will help them with the arrangements. Some of our valued donors have been able to visit and have shared their photos with us; you can see some of them on.

Support and repair of wells (Click to see Abandoned wells)

In January 2013 CCWP initiated a program for the support and repair of the wells that we installed. Included in the costs for each well are funds to address any needed repairs to each well for a period of 6 years. These funds are set aside in an account and are used solely for the subject well. In our initial assessment process each recipient, whether it is a family or village, is made aware of the communal intent of the well in addition to their responsibilities for the care and maintenance. After the 6 year period expires the recipients become fully responsible for the well. If all of the funds that have been set aside for repair were not used, they are combined with funds from other wells that have matured and a new well is installed elsewhere.

LINKS                           Interactive Map of CCWP                                                   Photo Gallery of well