• Additional bowsers to be sourced from local authorities if needed

Despite warnings that an intensified El Niño could trigger widespread drinking water shortages between January and April 2027, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has only around 100 water bowsers available nationwide for emergency distribution.

While authorities insist reservoir levels remain stable for now, officials acknowledge that additional bowsers may have to be sourced from local authorities or hired from private entities if the anticipated dry spell escalates into a major water supply crisis, The Sunday Morning reliably learns.

NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara told The Sunday Morning that the board was operating at its normal maximum production capacity and had not encountered any immediate difficulties in obtaining water.

“We usually obtain water from reservoirs managed by the Irrigation Department and the Mahaweli Authority. We also have about five reservoirs of our own, including Labugama, Kalatuwawa, and Basnagoda,” he said.

The Department of Meteorology warned that there was a strong possibility that the phenomenon could develop into a more intense El Niño event in the coming months.

“While we do not expect a severe water shortage, the prudent use of available water resources remains essential. With proper management, we believe the country will be able to manage the situation, particularly as rainfall conditions are expected to improve after October under the influence of El Niño,” Department of Meteorology Director of Forecasting Meril Mendis said.

The NWSDB Chairman said that neither the Mahaweli Authority nor the Irrigation Department had imposed restrictions on the water released to the NWSDB, while reservoirs managed by the board also had sufficient capacity.

“There are no restrictions at present. We don’t expect a severe water shortage to arise this year,” he said.

However, citing forecasts by the Department of Meteorology, Bandara warned that comparatively severe drought conditions could develop during February, March, and April 2027, potentially placing pressure on drinking water supplies.

As part of its preparations, the NWSDB is developing tube wells across the country, with particular attention to dry areas and the Western Province. These wells are expected to provide supplementary supplies if water levels in reservoirs, tanks, and rivers decline.

Bandara cautioned, however, that groundwater could provide only a temporary and limited solution during an intense drought.

“We can extract only a very limited quantity of groundwater compared to what we obtain from tanks and rivers. If a severe drought occurs, tube wells may not be sufficient, but they can be used as a temporary solution,” he said.

The NWSDB is also conducting awareness programmes through universities, schools, and its Environmental and Social Division to discourage water wastage and encourage the careful use of available supplies.

Bandara said that about 100 NWSDB-owned bowsers were available across the country, with the largest number stationed in the Western Province. If conditions deteriorate, additional bowsers can be obtained from Local Government authorities and disaster management agencies or hired from other sources.

“If a worst-case situation arises in 2027, we will have to take measures according to the conditions prevailing at that time. We have bowsers allocated to every district and managerial division,” he said.

He added that the NWSDB could use its own funds to respond to an emergency situation. The board’s General Manager and a team of officials, including a social scientist, are also representing the institution on the ministerial committee appointed to prepare for the anticipated climatic conditions.

Concerns over Sri Lanka’s preparedness were also raised during a meeting of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) last week. Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Director General Maj. Gen. (Retd) Sampath Kotuwegoda said forecasts indicated that the current dry spell could continue until the end of September, followed by heavy rainfall from late September through November and December.

The rainfall could be intense enough to cause minor or major floods in some areas, he warned. The more critical period is expected to begin in January 2027 and continue until around April, when the dry conditions could develop into a drinking water crisis.

Although reservoirs currently contain sufficient water for cultivation, Kotuwegoda said priority was being given to protecting drinking water supplies. The DMC is identifying and mapping bowsers and water sources in every district to improve its emergency response capacity.

Housing, Construction, and Water Supply Minister Susil Ranasinghe told The Sunday Morning that Sri Lanka was entering a period of heightened climate risk, with the most severe conditions expected later this year.

While August and September are traditionally dry, the current dry spell is forecast to be more severe than usual. According to the Minister, peak El Niño-related conditions are expected during October, November, and December.

A Cabinet Subcommittee has been appointed to monitor developments and revise the Government’s action plans every few weeks in consultation with the Meteorology Department and other relevant agencies.