• No immediate tariff revision despite electricity price uncertainty
• New treatment projects underway; completion may take up to 3 years

In spite of the prevailing dry weather conditions, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) claims that Sri Lanka’s existing water reserves are sufficient to maintain supply for the next three to four months without imposing water cuts or restrictions, even with heightened demand.

NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara told The Sunday Morning that while water availability was stable at present, the surge in demand and consumption caused by the current drought situation was the main challenge. He cautioned that water consumption had increased significantly due to the prevailing dry weather.

“Water is available. Our production is very limited, even though we are operating at our maximum capacity,” he said, noting that all treatment plants islandwide were currently operating at full capacity and that the issue was not a shortage of water, but increased demand.

Bandara emphasised that production could not be increased beyond existing levels. 

In the Colombo District, the three water treatment plants – Ambatale, Labugama, and Kalatuwawa – are operating at maximum capacity. Ambatale produces 560,000 cubic metres per day, while Labugama and Kalatuwawa collectively produce 150,000 cubic metres per day.

With production capacity limited, Bandara stated that some areas could experience low water pressure, particularly at the endpoints of the distribution network. He also identified Maharagama, Kottawa, Pannipitiya, Piliyandala, Panadura, and Wadduwa as areas in the Western Province that could be most affected by low water pressure.

The Chairman said that no decision had been taken to revise water tariffs, even if electricity tariffs were to increase. “Water tariffs are usually considered twice a year. As of now, no changes have been made, and we are maintaining the same prices,” Bandara assured.

Looking ahead, the NWSDB intends to expand its capacity, including an additional treatment facility in Ambatale with a capacity of 50,000 cubic metres per day, along with the Kalu Ganga project with a capacity of 136,000 cubic metres per day, according to Bandara.

“However, both of these projects are still at the procurement stage and are expected to take around two-and-a-half to three years to complete,” he acknowledged.

According to Bandara, seawater intrusion, which typically increases with higher temperatures and reduced river flow, is currently under control, with the Kelani River being closely monitored.

“So far, salinity intrusion has not affected the intake at Ambatale, and we do not expect the situation to worsen within the next month. However, as a temporary solution, we have installed a strategic sandbag barrier across the Ambatale water intake,” he noted, adding that the barrier was expected to minimise the risk of salinity intrusion.

Bandara further urged the public to use water responsibly and avoid wastage, particularly for non-essential activities such as gardening and vehicle washing, amid the ongoing drought conditions. 

Addressing the media, he called on the public to use water sparingly and warned that if the dry weather persisted, water distribution may have to be limited.