Arsenic is the most critical chemical groundwater contaminant in Cambodia because it affects a very large area and has the most severe health consequences for those consuming arsenic contaminated water for a long time (generally 5 to 10 years). Long-term consumption can cause various internal cancers and visible manifestations on the hands and feet, known as hyperkeratosis. Arsenic concentrations in Cambodia have been found as high as 3000 ppb where the WHO and Cambodian drinking water quality standards are 10 ppb, and 50 ppb, respectively. Figure above presents areas where Arsenic has been observed to be elevated in the groundwater.
However, Arsenic is sometimes found above the drinking water standards in locations away from the rivers and this is still a cause for concern. Also, in the Arsenic impacted areas, there is a much greater risk for high concentrations in deeper tube wells as opposed to shallower dug wells (RDI, 2012).
