• NWSDB warns supply may be restricted for hours daily 
• Ambatale Water Treatment Plant not affected by salinity 
• High-elevation areas already face low pressure; bowsers deployed
• CEA moves to curb sand mining as salinity concerns grow

Chairperson of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), Chandana Bandara, yesterday (30) said that due to the prevailing dry weather and drought-like conditions in the country, water supply may need to be restricted for several hours per day over the next two to three weeks.

Speaking to the media, he noted that although such water cuts have not yet been implemented, current weather conditions may make it difficult to maintain a continuous 24-hour water supply in the near future.

He added the production capacity of water treatment plants, including the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant, has not yet been affected. Bandara assured that the increase in salinity levels in the Kelani River will not impact operations at the Ambatale Plant.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Bandara said the Board has now established a salinity barrier using temporary sandbags. He explained that with the prevailing dry weather, the river’s flow speed has decreased, leading to a rise in salinity levels. However, he noted the salinity barrier would ensure that the plant’s operations remain unaffected.

Meanwhile, environmentalists have pointed out that sand mining near estuary areas also contributes to increasing salinity levels in rivers.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday regarding steps taken by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to prevent such activities, CEA Director General Kapila Mahesh Rajapaksha said that, in collaboration with the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, the CEA is working to address the issue. He added that awareness programmes are also being conducted.

The NWSDB had previously urged the public to use water sparingly amid the prevailing dry weather conditions, citing issues such as saltwater intrusion into rivers. It had also been noted that rising salinity levels in the Kelani River pose a significant threat to the operation of the Ambatale Plant.

However, water supply to high-elevation areas has already been reduced to low-pressure levels. Bandara also said that water bowsers are currently being deployed to supply water to areas experiencing low pressure.

He further informed the public that rainfall is expected in the coming period and urged citizens to use existing water reserves sparingly.