1001fontaines Cambodia & Vietnam: Empowering an Innovative Model for Access to Safe Drinking Water

Since 2004, 1001fontaines has been developing a unique, innovative model to address a major challenge: improving the health of rural and vulnerable populations by providing access to quality drinking water at an affordable price and in a sustainable way. Their solution is based on the creation of “water kiosks” that are managed by local entrepreneurs who are trained and supported by the business.  

This model makes it possible to: 

• Produce high-quality water locally using robust and controlled innovative purification technologies, with digital monitoring of quality and impact. 
• Distribute water close to beneficiaries, in villages and schools, through a network of locally trained entrepreneurs. 
• Ensure sustainability thanks to a replicable and adaptable water kiosk model and a viable economic model, where each station becomes financially autonomous. 
• Raise community awareness about hygiene and health, especially through school programs. 

Danone Communities has supported 1001fontaines since 2008, convinced of the potential of their innovative model to improve the health of rural populations by giving them access to safe drinking water. This partnership has been built over time, with patient financial support and tailored guidance, mobilizing the expertise of Danone and its employees at every key stage of 1001fontaines’ development, with a strong social and economic impact: 

• Health impact: with more than 1 million people reached, 1001fontaines has significantly reduced waterborne diseases, especially among children, by supplying millions of liters of drinking water each year to populations who previously had no access. 
• Economic impact: More than 1,000 entrepreneurs and staff involved, and financial autonomy achieved for operations in Cambodia. 

A Positive Exit, True to the Danone Communities’ Mission 

After 15 years of supporting the 1001fontaines project in Cambodia, Danone Communities is proud to have seen the local 1001fontaines organization, Teuk Saat 1001, reach national scale and financial sustainability in its operations. This success enables Danone Communities to exit the capital, in line with its mission: to support social enterprises until impact and economic viability are achieved, then reinvest in new high-potential projects. The Danone group continues its commitment in Cambodia by supporting the philanthropic “Water in School” program, which provides 350,000 children with free drinking water every school day. 

In 2025, Danone Communities will also exit the capital it invested in 1001fontaines Vietnam, after having supported the development of the model in a demanding urban context in Ho Chi Minh City. The Owe brand now continues its development in Vietnam independently, building on the knowledge and foundation provided by the initial support from Danone Communities. 

Social Innovation Catalyzed for Health Impact, in Service of the Danone Mission 

The story of 1001fontaines Cambodia and Vietnam demonstrates Danone Communities’ ability to catalyze innovative solutions, combining economic performance and health impact, and contributing to Danone’s mission to bring health through food and hydration to as many people as possible.