The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is moving to tighten oversight of new housing construction, with plans underway to make its approval for internal plumbing systems mandatory before building clearance is granted.

NWSDB Chairperson Chandana Bandara told The Daily Morning yesterday (6) that discussions are ongoing with key agencies, including the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Electricity Distribution Lanka (Private) Limited (EDL), to integrate NWSDB clearance into the standard approval process for new houses. Draft laws and regulations are currently being prepared to give effect to the proposal.

The move is aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in monitoring water usage within premises. At present, the NWSDB’s responsibility is limited to supplying water up to the property boundary, with no regulatory oversight of internal pipeline systems.

Bandara stressed that the proposed requirement is not intended to restrict water consumption, but to ensure quality and efficiency in plumbing systems. Under the new mechanism, NWSDB-certified specialists would inspect internal pipelines prior to granting approval, with a focus on preventing leakages and system failures.

Officials note that undetected leaks within private properties contribute significantly to water wastage, with consumers bearing the financial cost while the losses also impact the country’s overall water capacity.

The proposed regulatory shift comes amid growing concerns over resource management, with authorities seeking to minimise losses and strengthen coordination among institutions involved in housing approvals.