Improve Health with Clean Water in Rural Cambodia

We thought you might enjoy reading about the impacts of bad water versus clean water directly from a family who received a water filter from Trailblazer. This family received their water filter in 2015, and it's still working great!

Mr. Hoy [29] and Mrs. Hann [28] live in Prohut village, Lvea commune, Pouk district. They have one daughter studying in Prohut Kindergarten, and a grandmother living with the family. Mr. Hoy told us, “Before we received the water filter we had problems getting clean water to drink and cook with. We used water directly from the well without proper disinfection, which made us sick a lot, specially with diarrhea. Because of this problem, it had an impact on our family’s economy, especially the loss of time to earn a living.”

Hoy continued, “After attending the Clean Water and Hygiene Training from Trailblazer, and receiving a bio-sand water filter to use, we recognized that our health situation improved. We were less sick and did not have diarrhea. And we had no more problem with getting clean, safe water. Now we are able to have a more wonderful time. We have reduced the cost of treating our illnesses, and can save money for our family to invest in other interests. My mother is healthy and has more time to attend religious festivals in the pagoda with other village elders."

He added, “Lastly, I am very happy to have Trailblazer working in my community and providing us access to clean water, and giving us knowledge about hygiene and sanitation. Me and my neighbors in the communtiy have enough clean water to use and we are healthier.”

This story is just one of thousands about the impact Trailblazer's work has on the people being helped. It is rewarding work knowing we can make a difference. But we can't make that difference without your support.

Your gifts can help other families like Hoy and Hann's. With just $100 you can provide one to three families with a water filter and change their lives through clean water. A water filter is a wonderful and simple gift that keeps on giving.

We thank and appreciate every donor who has made a gift of a water filter. We hope you will consider contributing to this vital effort to improve health and reduce poverty for poor rural families in Cambodia.

Become a donor today and join others in making a lasting change in the lives of others. Thank you.

Perhaps it’s time to give you a brief history of Trailblazer Foundation and its Health Program accomplishments. Work that could not have been accomplished without the generous support of our donors, and we are deeply grateful.

Trailblazer has been in existence 18 years - since April 2004 - and has been working in Siem Reap province, Cambodia since January 2005, when the co-founders moved to Siem Reap to begin making a difference. 

Our bio-sand water filter project began February 2006. There has been a minimum of 6,867 filters installed between 2006 and 2021. At an average family size of 5 persons, that means at least 34,335 people have clean drinking water. However, bio-sand water filters are designed to service 15 people. So, depending on how families are clustered, the number of people with clean drinking water could actually be more like 103,005.

Between 2005 and 2021 there has been 1,777 wells drilled.  At an average family size of 5 persons, that means a minimum of 8,885 people have access to water for personal and irrigation purposes. Wells can service one to three families depending on how families are clustered, so the number of people with access to water could actually be 26,655.

In 2015 we began constructing latrines, and 369 have been constructed since that time.  At an average family size of 5 persons, that means that a minimum of 1,845 people have a dignified, safe, sanitary place to toilet.

Over all, at a minimum, donors have provided 45,065 people with water and sanitation to improve their health and their livelihoods. If you calculate the numbers at the capacity of the products, donors [you] have helped change the life upwards of 131,505 people. That is no small feat!

We thank everyone who has contributed to making such a lasting impact over the years for tens of thousands of poor rural villagers. We encourage you to share Trailblazer to those you know, tell them why you support us, and that they too could be making an impact to last a lifetime.

Success in life is not about what you have achieved, but whether or not you have made a difference. You have been making a difference! Let’s continue making life a bit brighter and better for those in rural Cambodia who have few other options. Thank you.