World Waternet & UNICEF bring safe water to nearly 2,000 people in Laos with new compact treatment plant

Nam Fa river – the water source for the Water Treatment Plant

Urgent need for reliable water services

Families in rural Lao PDR struggle to access safe water, relying on seasonal groundwater or making long trips to collect untreated river water. Rising temperatures and growing pressure on local supplies have made this even harder. Despite progress, 15% of Lao PDR’s population still lacks water services, leaving over 1 million without water access. Only 18% have safely managed water, and 20% (1.5 million people) lack basic sanitation (You are leaving this website). These figures highlight the urgent need for sustainable water and sanitation solutions. With funding from UNICEF, the WaterWorX Climate Adaptation Fund, and Nam Papa Luang Namtha, World Waternet will connect 354 households to the Nam Papa water system, ensuring clean water and better hygiene. 

“For nearly 2,000 people in Vieng Phouka, this project means no more hauling water from unsafe sources. Now, families will have safe water right at home, along with better sanitation and hygiene. With reliable access, children can stay healthier and focus on schoolwork, and their communities—significantly improving everyone’s quality of life.” - Marc Overmars, Chief Water, Sanitation and Hygiene & Climate Resilience UNICEF Lao PDR

Figure 1 The Vieng Phouka district northern Laos (map from google maps)

A step toward SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All

With Laos ranked 40th in the Climate Change Resilience Index (CCRI (You are leaving this website)), extreme weather events (landslides, floods, and droughts) pose serious risks to water systems. The communities in Vieng Phouka rely on untreated water systems that often fail due to contamination and seasonal shortages. This project strengthens water security and resilience while supporting Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All. This project is part of World Waternet's mission to improve water services for over 6 million people by 2030. 

The compact Water Treatment Plant

The treatment plant will provide safe water to communities in need. Set to be built on repurposed rubber plantation land, the plant minimises environmental impact. Over 25 months, the project will establish the WTP, an intake from the Nam Fa River, main water meters, and a distribution pipeline to deliver 24/7 access to safe drinking water. This initiative strengthens local water resilience, improving both public health and sustainability.

Peter Jansen – COO World Waternet: "We are proud to build World Waternet’s first compact water treatment plant, a key step toward strengthening climate resilience and local water management. The plant's compact design ensures mobility and long-term impact. This project is a true example of peer-to-peer collaboration, built on trust, expertise, and sustainable partnerships with Nam Papa Luang Namtha and our dedicated partners.”

Impact with a ripple effect

A recent Nam Papa survey revealed that 90% of households in the targeted villages are willing to pay for a more reliable water supply, highlighting strong local demand. This willingness is a key driver for sustainable water services, as it ensures a steady revenue stream for operation and maintenance. With financial commitment from the community, local water operators can invest in infrastructure improvements, expand services, and enhance reliability. Moreover, strong demand increases local ownership, making the system more resilient in the long run. This finding also signals to policymakers and investors that improved water services in the region are both needed and viable, paving the way for long-term impact.

A collaborative approach to long-term water security

Since 2017, World Waternet has partnered with Nam Papa Luang Namtha, strengthening local water management. Nam Papa’s co-financing and leadership ensure local ownership, while UNICEF brings 50 years of expertise in health, education, and WASH in Laos. With potential expansion to nearby villages, this project lays the groundwork for scalable, sustainable water infrastructure in northern Laos. If successful, it can serve as a model for future initiatives, with World Waternet taking the lead in uniting more partners to strengthen water security across the region.