Nomad communities and their livestock continue to share the same polluted surface water for drinking purposes, contributing to widespread diarrhea and other intestinal diseases.   In the case of infants, drinking of polluted surface water has been a major cause of sickness and death. 

The process of digging wells in Nakchu is as complex as it is intensive, and beyond the capacity of local nomad families. The construction of a village well involves digging down 5-7 meters to ensure sufficient groundwater, and the installation of a stone lining, a cement cap, a hand pump with piping, and a double glazed covering to avoid freezing during the winter period. Each well also includes a cement sluice outside of the well perimeter to where animals can drink during all months of the year. Each well costs about $4,500.

TPAF is currently asking for additional financing to expand this program to other townships and villages.