Sen David and Igor Kossov

About 2,700 families in Kampong Cham province’s Reay Pai commune, where wells and ponds have almost dried up, could soon be left without any safe water. Commune chief Heang Heap said yesterday such aridity was unheard of in the community.

“Every year, even in the hot season, there is no lack of water but this year, the ponds and wells are almost dry,” said Heap. “If no one takes action, the villagers will face a serious lack of water in the April ahead.” The commune had 217 wells and would try to dig more but needed help from higher levels of government, Heap said.

read more: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/water-running-out-reay-pai

People need to start collecting rain water by modifying their roofs. Don't rely on ground water that may be contaminated anyway.

Also, pumping it up only works if it gets replenished and nobody can say that for sure = like withdrawing from a bank account without knowing the balance.