In response to increased demand for clean water, the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) has invested in new treatment facilities in three locations: Bakheng, Takhmao and Boeung Thom.

The first phase of the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant will be in use by the middle of this year, and will contribute to addressing current water shortages. The PPWSA said the first and second phases of this plant will produce a total of 390,000 cubic metres of clean water per day.

Another plant, located in Kandal province's Takhmao town, just outsides the capital, will generate 30,000 cubic metres per day.

The Boeung Thom plant, located near the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (PPSEZ) on the outskirts of the capital, will produce 5,000 cubic metres of water a day.

“In early May, we plan to formally inaugurate the first phase of the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant. This plant will produce up to 200,000 cubic metres of water a day and will help reduce clean water shortages in Phnom Penh and neighbouring Takhmao town, said the PPWSA in an April 1 social media post.

It asked customers including factories and manufacturing enterprises to use water sparingly amid the shortages.

“During the 2023 dry season, there are severe water shortages, leaving some suburbs of Phnom Penh and Takhmao town with no access to clean water for daily use,” it said.

“To resolve this issue, we ask that all customers use water sparingly in order to share the available water with the districts and communes on the outskirts of Phnom Penh,” it added.