Compact treatment plant brings security to rural Laos

Dutch-based non-profit World Waternet is working with UNICEF on the construction of a compact treatment plant that will provide thousands of people in rural Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) with safe drinking water.

Collaboration key to water security

World Waternet and UNICEF are working with Nam Papa (PNP) Luang Namtha (the local public water utility), Nam Saat (a Department of Hygiene programme responsible for the development of water supply and sanitation in rural areas), the Ministry of Public Works & Transport and Ministry of Health.

Together, the collaboration is constructing a compact water treatment plant in the Vieng Phouka district in northern Lao PDR. The €700,000 project is set for completion in December 2026, and when fully operational will provide nearly 2,000 people in Nam Fa, La Mon, and Nam Kieng with clean drinking water and improved sanitation.

Addressing the urgent need for reliable water services in rural Laos

Families in rural Lao PDR struggle to access safe water, relying on seasonal groundwater or making long trips to collect untreated river water. Water security is becoming harder with rising temperatures and growing pressure on local supplies.

Despite progress, 15 per cent of Lao PDR's population still lacks water services, leaving over one million people without water access. Across the country, only 18 per cent of people have safely managed water, and 20 per cent (1.5 million people) lack basic sanitation.

The figures clearly highlight the need for sustainable water and sanitation solutions in the country. As part of the project, World Waternet will use funding from UNICEF, the WaterWorX Climate Adaptation Fund, and Nam Papa Luang Namtha, to connect 354 households to the Nam Papa water system, ensuring clean water and better hygiene.

Clean water and sanitation for all

Lao PDR is ranked 40th in the Environmental Change Institute's Climate Change Resilience Index (CCRI). It is prone to extreme water events, including floods, and droughts.

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, and forms part of World Waternet's mission to improve water services for over six million people by 2030.

Marc Overmars, chief water, sanitation and hygiene and climate resilience, UNICEF Lao PDR, said: "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."

The compact treatment plant

The treatment plant will provide safe water to communities in need. It is being constructed on the site of a repurposed rubber plantation, helping to ensure minimal impact to the local plant environmental.

During the course of the project, World Waternet will build the treatment plant and establish an intake from the Nam Fa River, which will be the source water for the project, install 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, told Aquatech Online: "The treatment process will begin with a pre-sedimentation stage, involving flocculation with alum mixing, before a sedimentation stage using sand filtration, before chloride treatment, and finally clear water storage. Water will be distributed to villages by means of gravity through surface pipes."

Jansen also told media: "This is a key step toward strengthening climate resilience and local water management. The plant's compact design ensures mobility and long-term impact."

He added: "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."

The potential to create a ripple effect

A recent Nam Papa survey revealed that 90 per cent of households in the targeted villages were willing to pay for a more reliable water supply, highlighting strong local demand. This willingness is seen by World Waternet as a key driver for sustainable water services because 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.

The project partners believe the model has potential for expansion into nearby villages and lays the groundwork for scalable, sustainable water infrastructure in northern Laos. If successful, it can serve as a model for future initiatives that seek to strengthen water security across the region.