Water and Access to Water In Mongolia

Water… For nearly two years, people have been shoveling to access and protect water west of the capital. Khanunghan’s neighbors slowly descend down the well. He is stopping the water for his family and three others, whose lives depend on water to break through the icy soil and sediment. Establishing a stable and healthy source is Khanunghan’s biggest concern.

Few households in this area have piped drinking water. Most families have to fetch their own water. They have to dig a well of their own and make it permanent, or build a station to be included in the general line.

“We can’t just sit and wait for the government to help us,” says Khuangan. “We are responsible for our own survival. We understand that very well. But no matter how hard we try, it is not possible to improve our living standards too much.”

Safe Water for a More Livable Life

This is a widespread problem across rural Mongolia, where only 1 in 5 households have access to safe water, compared to 62% in urban areas. Less than 5% of rural households have adequate sanitation. As a result, thousands of children under the age of 5 suffer from frequent diarrhea and hundreds contract hepatitis a every year. In most Mongolian families, children are responsible for fetching water for the family. A 2004 United Nations survey found that in one in three countries, children spend three to four hours fetching water.

In winter they must brave frozen rivers and wells. They have to pull water jerry cans long distances. Many children cannot go to school to carry out this daily task, but they know how important it is for them and their families.