Wells are greatly needed in the Cambodian countryside and, until more are constructed, villagers must transport their water over long distances and, generally, from deep, unsanitary holes in the ground. The cost of drilling and constructing a PVC pull-pump well, on average, is $150 USD; a cast-iron pump well, $200 USD.
In areas new to the Indochina Expedition: wells are drilled in April, May and June. These are the months when the dry season is at its peak, ensuring that wells can be drilled deep enough to provide a year-round supply of water.
Having either a cast-iron or PVC pull pump remedies the initial problem: access to water. Once villagers have a convenient and ample water supply they can begin to think beyond the basics. A well provides them with extended life-sustaining capabilities—the ability to irrigate gardens and create fish ponds with which to improve their food supply, their diet, their health, and, ultimately, the opportunity to generate new income from the sale of excess provisions.
It is our goal that one in every 3 to 5 rural families be provided a well as a consistent source of water and a bio-sand water filter to ensure that it is potable. To accomplish this goal, the Indochina Expedition: has been installing wells in strategic locations throughout Siem Reap Province since 2007.

Pump wells are greatly needed in the countryside. Most villagers use and transport water from long distances from deep holes in the ground. Wells can be drilled and constructed at an average cost of $150 per pump well and $250 per ring pit well at the end of the dry season: April through June, to ensure the well is deep enough for a consistent water supply.