Water availability varies considerably through out the year within the Tonle Sap Basin.  Agricultural production goals of the Government, urban water needs, the localized nature of rainfall within the basin and limited storage capacity place considerable demands on planning within the water resources sector. 

Water quality is degraded in local areas around boat landings and the few urban areas within or nearby the TSBR.  Considerable water quality variations occur naturally in the flooded forest over the yearly hydrological cycle, but conditions may be worsened by human and animal waste from communities, oil spills from the operation of boats, and solid waste.  Use of pesticides and chemical fertilizer for crop production contributes an unknown quantity of pollutants to the Lake.