The presence of arsenic in Cambodian groundwater was first documented during a small groundwater quality survey conducted by the WHO and the Cambodian government in 2001. Since the initial discovery, several thorough surveys have been undertaken by organizations such as UNICEF, RDI, and Cambodian Ministry of Rural Development (MRD). Six provinces were found to have elevated arsenic risk: Kampong Cham, Kampong Chnang, Kampong Thom, Kandal, Kratie, and Prey Veng. The Royal Government of Cambodia responded to the crisis by forming the Arsenic Inter-Ministerial Subcommittee in 2001 to begin directing government policy on the issue. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy approved Cambodian drinking water quality standards in 2004. MRD and UNICEF also developed an Arsenic testing database and conducted well testing along with RDI. A
comprehensive national well database has recently been established and the results of the arsenic testing data are presented in the table below.