With insufficient water contaminated by rust, salinity, and mud, Ban Lai Sung School in Ubon Ratchathani province had to continuously buy drinking water. Recently, the 47th "Isuzu Water for Life" project installed a deep groundwater system and a WHO-standard water production facility equipped with solar energy, enabling over 3,000 students, teachers, and community members to access clean water sustainably.
"Clean water" may be a basic resource many access simply by turning on a tap, but for the students and teachers at Ban Lai Sung School in Lai Thung Subdistrict, Trakan Phuet Phon District, Ubon Ratchathani province, every drop is a resource that must be carefully managed.
Until now, the school, which educates from kindergarten year 2 through grade 6, has faced shortages of water for consumption and use. The local water sources are not only inconsistent in quantity but also of poor quality, with issues of rusty, salty, and brackish water exceeding the capacity of the school's existing water filters.
During the rainy season, the water is often mixed with mud, while in the dry season, water levels drop to nearly insufficient amounts for school use. Consequently, the school had to purchase about 15 tanks of drinking water weekly, costing approximately 900 baht per month. Although this amount may seem low to some, every baht is significant for a school with many other development needs.
One water system transforms thousands of lives.
This problem became the starting point for the 47th "Isuzu Water for Life" project, where Isuzu Group in Thailand partnered with the Department of Groundwater Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to survey local water conditions and design a system specifically suited to Ban Lai Sung School's needs.
The project delivered more than just water filters; it established a comprehensive clean water system, including drilling a 44-meter deep groundwater well capable of pumping 10 cubic meters (10,000 liters) per hour, installing water treatment facilities, and WHO-standard filtration systems.
Training on system operation, cleaning, and maintenance was provided to responsible personnel, along with regular water quality checks, ensuring the system performs well not only at handover but continuously over the long term.
The benefits of this system extend beyond the school grounds, enabling more than 3,000 students, teachers, staff, and nearby community residents to access hygienic drinking water.
Reducing both water purchase and electricity costs.
Another highlight of this project is the installation of a solar energy system integrated with the water production process, which reduces reliance on conventional electricity. This aligns with Isuzu's Carbon Neutrality goals and supports Thailand's renewable energy policies.
This system is expected to reduce the school's electricity expenses by about 3,000 baht monthly. Combined with savings from decreased water purchases, these funds can be redirected toward improving teaching, facilities, or other essential needs for students.
Thus, the clean water provided by the project not only quenches thirst but also alleviates financial burdens, allowing the school to allocate limited resources toward other beneficial areas.
When clean water is the foundation for growth.
Charuwan Siangphairo, director of Ban Lai Sung School, described the water problems: the school suffered shortages of both drinking and daily-use water. During the rainy season, water was mixed with mud, while in the dry season, there was almost no sufficient water.
Receiving the water production building and standardized water system is not just a utility fix but directly impacts children's health and development; when students have adequate clean drinking water, it reduces waterborne disease risks and supports their healthy growth.
Somsri Promyati, director of Groundwater Resources Office Region 11, said this project not only solves water shortages for the school and community but also provides an educational resource on water supply systems and water quality improvement for local youth and residents.
A mission that continues until all Thai schools have clean water.
Hiroyasu Sato, Managing Director of Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd., stated, "Isuzu Water for Life" is a long-term social project continuously implemented by the Isuzu Group to deliver clean drinking water to schools across Thailand, ensuring students and educational staff have sufficient and sustainable water for consumption.
Despite societal challenges and difficult circumstances, the Isuzu Group remains committed to continuing the project to improve the quality of life for Thai youth and contribute positively to society.
. The "Isuzu Water for Life" project operates under the commitment to assist until no schools in Thailand face shortages of clean drinking water, aligning with the concept “Isuzu Trusted Buddy…Isuzu stands beside you, alongside Thailand.”
A single glass of clean water may seem small, but behind it lies better health, reduced expenses, increased educational opportunities, and sustainable improvements in the quality of life for entire communities.