WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the United States and Mongolia commissioned the Advanced Water Purification Plant (AWPP), a landmark infrastructure investment delivered through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Mongolia Compact.
U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Richard Buangan and MCC’s Acting Chief of Staff Dan Petrie joined His Excellency Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, President of Mongolia, senior government officials, private sector representatives, and community leaders to mark the completion of the state-of-the-art plant, which will help increase Ulaanbaatar’s supply of safe, treated drinking water by up to 80 percent, strengthening the city’s long-term water security.
The AWPP is a central component of the MCC-Mongolia Water Compact, which concluded in March 2026. Designed to increase available water supply to advance economic growth and catalyze private sector investment, the AWPP will treat water sourced from newly built groundwater fields to meet national drinking water standards and integrate it into Ulaanbaatar’s central distribution network. By significantly increasing reliable supply, the plant helps reduce pressure on existing sources and creates a stronger foundation for urban growth and private sector expansion.
During the ceremony, leaders emphasized the plant’s long-term impact on households, industry, and the capital’s continued development.
“The Advanced Water Purification Plant represents American ingenuity at its best,” said Acting Chief of Staff Petrie. “This investment will deliver lasting benefits to Mongolia—supporting businesses, industry, and families—and secures a more prosperous future for both Mongolia and the United States.”
In addition to the commissioning, the Government of Mongolia honored MCC at an event commemorating the enduring diplomatic relationship with the United States as Mongolia’s “third neighbor”. The event recognized more than three decades of partnership and expressed appreciation for the contributions of MCC’s investments.
“This is a historically significant event that demonstrates Mongolia’s commitment to sustainable development, ensuring a secure and better quality of life for our people, and laying the foundation for the future expansion of our capital city, Ulaanbaatar…,” said His Excellency Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, President of Mongolia. “This project makes a tangible contribution to the westward expansion of the capital city, as envisioned in the city’s master plan, while also creating the necessary conditions for the development of satellite cities and new residential areas…On behalf of the people of Mongolia, I also extend heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Government of the United States, the Embassy of the United States, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the American people for their invaluable contribution toward addressing one of our country’s most critical challenges—water security.”
“The United States values Mongolia as a trusted democratic partner,” Ambassador Buangan said. “This first-of-its-kind compact, delivered on time and on budget, demonstrates what strong, effective partnerships can accomplish.”
The MCC-Mongolia Water Compact expanded water supply, improved wastewater treatment and reuse, and strengthened governance and financial sustainability within the sector. Commissioning the AWPP marks the final compact milestone and underscores the shared commitment of both governments to accountable, results-driven development.
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The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. Government agency focused on unlocking growth through results-driven foreign assistance. MCC’s grants support large-scale infrastructure, strategic reforms, and economic modernization. MCC advances America’s economic and strategic interests by delivering measurable returns to both recipients and U.S. taxpayers—expanding commercial opportunities for U.S. businesses, reducing the influence of competitors, and reinforcing global environments aligned with American values.