Officials tour the Chreav Clean Water Treatment Plant in Siem Reap town. Hong Raksmey
The Chreav Clean Water Treatment Plant, situated approximately 12km from the Tonle Sap Lake and supported by the Japanese government, extends the provision of clean water to 23 communes within Siem Reap province.
This advanced facility was officially inaugurated in May and boasts a daily production capacity of 60,000 cubic metres of clean water. It is equipped with sophisticated management and control systems, including digital networks and computer systems that collect and analyze real-time data.
Previously, Siem Reap relied on two water treatment plants - one drawing water from the Western Baray reservoir and another from groundwater. Each had a capacity of 15,000 cubic metres per day.
With the new plant now operational, Siem Reap’s total daily water production capacity has increased to 90,000 cubic metres, according to Chan Sengla, the general director of the Siem Reap Water Supply Authority (SRWSA).
“These three facilities provide water to Siem Reap and the recently developed Run Ta Ek and Peak Sneng areas,” he explained.
The impacts of the SRWSA project have expanded significantly, stretching from 240.3km to 531km. This expansion has increased coverage from 35 per cent to 59 per cent of the 23 communes within Siem Reap town.
By August, the number of connections in Siem Reap town connected to the system had doubled, rising from 11,033 to 22,100. The SRWSA network is extending from 12 to 23 communes in the eastern portion of the province, demonstrating a commitment to meeting the need for clean water.
He explained that projections indicate that even with a daily supply of 90,000 cubic metres, demand will only be met until 2030. This underscores the need to identify new water sources.
Sengla highlighted the vital role played by organisations like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in aligning with the government’s goal of providing 100 per cent clean water to the population by 2030.
“Without JICA’s assistance, implementing the government’s plan to supply clean water to all citizens by 2030 would be challenging. Therefore, we are actively seeking partnerships to align with the government’s aim and ensure access to clean water for all,” he stated.
Legacy of Clear Waters
The journey of Siem Reap’s water supply system has been marked by resilience and progress. Its inception in 1930 featured a modest production capacity of 100 cubic metres per day, drawing water from the Siem Reap River. The initial distribution network spanned a mere 5km.
However, in 1994, tragedy struck as the system collapsed, leading to a suspension of operations. From 1995 to 1998, SRWSA, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), embarked on the rehabilitation of the system.
It successfully resumed city water supply in 1998, sourcing groundwater from two deep wells each with a capacity of 1,400 cubic metres per day.
In 2006, with the assistance of JICA, a new water treatment plant boasting a daily capacity of 8,000 cubic metres was established. By 2013, this capacity had nearly doubled. An additional 36km of distribution pipes were added, connecting 3,578 households.
Continuing to enhance the water supply system, an additional treatment plant with a daily capacity of 15,000 cubic metres was added in 2019. This project, financed by an AFD loan and utilising water from the West Baray reservoir, included the installation of a 6km transmission main.
The distribution network now maintains water pressure at a steady 2 bars, effectively resolving past pressure problems, as confirmed by Pheng Bunhour, SRWSA director of project management.
This expansion has not only improved water access in urban areas but has also extended to new communes and the recently constructed international airport, situated approximately 40km from the town.
Significantly, the project has assumed a pivotal role in safeguarding heritage sites within the Angkor Archaeological Park. An intricate system of ancient reservoirs and channels stabilises the temples constructed atop sandy soil with groundwater beneath.
The majority of the town’s residents and businesses have now made the transition from groundwater to relying on water supplied by SRWSA. This shift has mitigated the impact on the world heritage site.
Furthermore, hotels and enterprises have transitioned to the Chreav Water Treatment Plant, helping alleviate the detrimental effects on the temples’ foundations caused by groundwater extraction.
Looking ahead, the pursuit of sustainable water supply continues. Bunhour noted that by 2024, an additional 820km of distribution pipes will be necessary to cover the expanding service areas.
Initiatives such as feasibility studies and new expansion projects are necessary to meet rising demand, considering that the existing water treatment plant is expected to reach full capacity by 2030.
“In 2026, the need for clean water will rise to 73,000 cubic metres per day. By 2030, it will nearly double, surpassing the production capacity of 83,000 cubic metres per day,” Bunhour projected.
“Our water treatment plant’s capacity can accommodate the demand for clean water up to 2030. Beyond that point, a new project—a new water treatment plant—is essential,” he stressed.
Through steadfast dedication and strategic collaborations, SRWSA remains committed to delivering clean and sustainable water, safeguarding the region’s progress and preserving its rich heritage.
