USAID and WaterSHED Launch Hydrologic Water Filter Factory in Cambodia

On October 1st, USAID-RDMA and USAID-Cambodia jointly announced the opening of Hydrologic Inc., a social enterprise manufacturing ceramic water filters in Cambodia. Hydrologic is the first social enterprise launched through USAID’s WaterSHED program. Over 125 people participated in the factory’s grand opening, including local and national government officials, local villagers and USAID staff. The official ribbon-cutting – broadcast nationwide on Cambodian TV – was presided over by H.E. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Rural Development.

Representing the US government at the grand opening, Mission Director Flynn Fuller declared: “USAID is proud to be involved in the development of this factory, which produces quality filters for household drinking water. This links two of our most important priorities: decreasing poverty through economic development and improved health.”

The USAID-funded facility is currently selling filters to 300 new customers each day. In FY2011, production and local staffing will double to serve 250,000 new customers.