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Cambodia

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Cambodia

Cambodia's water and sanitation crisis

Out of its population of 17 million people, 12 million people (70% of the population) lack access to safe water and 8 million people (48%) lack access to a safe toilet. With approximately 75 percent of Cambodians living in rural areas, lack of access to safe water and sanitation disproportionately affects rural communities.

Although Cambodia has one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, access to affordable financing for water and sanitation remains a barrier for families to secure water connections and toilets for their homes. In remote and sparsely populated areas, poor infrastructure and high service delivery costs further limit access, highlighting the need for innovative financing solutions to reach these underserved communities. Additionally, the country’s high vulnerability to climate change—including seasonal water shortages and frequent flooding—often leads to contaminated water sources, emphasizing the urgent need for resilient and climate-adaptive water and sanitation systems.

12 million lack access to safe water
Capital: Phnom Penh
Population of 16 million
10 million people lack access to a safe toilet

Our impact in Cambodia

Cambodia is an ideal environment for our financial solution. A well-developed microfinance sector in a country with high water and sanitation needs represents an excellent opportunity for expanding access to affordable financing for water supply and sanitation improvements.

Water.org launched our WaterCredit solution here in 2015, and our first program reached more than 300,000 people in less than two years, demonstrating our smart solutions are a great fit in the Cambodian market and showing the strong commitment of our partner institutions.

Water.org is currently working with financial institutions, microfinance institutions, and associations throughout Cambodia, actively exploring new partnerships. We are also working directly with local water utilities (private water operators) to improve and expand their services to reach even more people in need of access to safe water and sanitation at home.

2.1 million
people now have access to safe water or sanitation
Young couple smiling while sitting on the steps outside of their home in Cambodia.

With access to safe water and sanitation at home, families in Cambodia have the health, hope, and opportunity to create bright futures.

A vision for future impact in Cambodia

There is great opportunity for further impact in Cambodia. We plan to scale and expand our work with microfinance institutions and commercial banks through WaterCredit – specifically by supporting WSS businesses and unlocking new ways to bring capital and financing into the sector. In addition, we aim to strengthen local water utilities, enabling them to extend their reach and provide improved services to underserved communities across the country.

A young mother smiling and holding her baby in Cambodia.
  • Stories of Impact

    Drinks for their customers and their family

    It’s hard to believe that, just past Hai’s display of snacks and refreshing bottled beverages for sale there sits a home, Hai and Hoeun’s home, that once lacked a source of safe water. Read about how this couple gave their family safe water at home.

    Read more
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  • Stories of Impact

    Mao's family has safe water and the health that flows from it

    For years, Mao walked to a distant lake to collect the water her family needed because Mao and her husband could not afford a safe water solution at home. Then Mao met with Water.org's local partner bank in Cambodia. Through the bank, Mao was able to affordably finance a safe water solution for her family.

    Read more
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  • Stories of Impact

    To the world he’s a dad but to his family, he is the world

    Thai shared the story of his life-long water crisis, his nine-year-old daughter, Maya, remained by his side. Holding her hand, he explained an element of his story that is rare when it comes to who collected water from distant sources before getting a household solution. Read more to find out what is so unique about Thai's story.

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See all Cambodia stories

Cambodia impact statistics

People reached 2.1 million

The number of people who now have access to safe water or sanitation and the health and opportunity they bring.

Capital mobilized (USD) $282 million

Our partners mobilize funds from capital markets to provide water and sanitation loans.

Loans disbursed 471,000

Our local partners make loans to people in need for life-changing safe water and sanitation solutions.

Number of active partners 9

We work with financial institutions, service providers, international agencies, and governments to make an impact.

Repayment rate 99%

Every repaid loan means another family in need can get affordable access to safe water at home.

Average loan size (USD) $608

Small loans can help make a big difference by providing long-term solutions for families in need around the world.

Percent of women borrowers 84%

Women are primarily responsible for household water collection and are solving the water crisis for their families.

Households living under $8.30/day 92%

We are committed to helping people living in poverty get access to safe water and sanitation solutions at home.

To help end the water crisis in Cambodia, donate today.

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