WATER QUALITY AND POLLUTION CONTROL IN PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

The urban infrastructure, particularly water supply and drainage systems, have deteriorated severely in the past two decades in Phnom Penh, the capital city and the economic center of Cambodia. Water pollution caused by untreated wastewater is one of the serious problems that confront most developing countries (Kwai et al.1991). In Phnom Penh City, all kinds of wastewater are discharged to rivers, lakes and wetlands throughout the city without proper treatment causing serious surface water pollution. Water testing is an essential factor to control water pollution. However, water quality data and water quality testing systems are still poorly developed in Cambodia due to lack of facilities and technical expertise. Therefore, there is no information available on sewage water quality in Phnom Penh City. That’s why the work is aimed at collating basic information about the situation of water supply, waste water system and solid waste. The present information will provide the basis for targeting further field research. This is included the overview of sources and activities that may lead to pollution, with an appreciation of type of water pollutants involved, their magnitude and movement. Types of waste and effluent disposal including sanitation, liquid and solid waste management systems are described. After reviewing all the available, we found that the distribution of water has been well organized by the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority while the managements of the wastewater, storm water and solid waste are poor due to the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation