"I will pour out my water on those who are thirsty."

Our work includes reaching out to disadvantaged and vulnerable families and communities in the region. Many of them live with a high level of uncertainty as to 'what tomorrow may bring for themselves and their families. Their limited access to services, and the daily challenges that come with displacement, take a toll on their mental health too. Among their biggest problems is access to clean water!

For years impoverished families living and working in the area have had to use and drink, untreated surface water — water often contaminated with sediment, agricultural chemicals, and pathogens. Waterborne illness is common, especially among children.

We recently sent two of our key workers, Jom and Som, to attend a water filtration workshop. They learned how to construct an efficient system using readily available materials that can effectively filter contaminants and produce safe drinking water.

We are planning the installation of a community-scale bio‑sand water filtration system based on the Echo Asia Filtration System. It will comprise of a 1,500‑litre settling tank, three bio‑sand filters using locally sourced sand, gravel, and biochar, and a clean‑water storage tank. It will provide around 900 litres of safe drinking water every day, meeting the needs of 150–200 people.