• Colombo suburbs face the brunt
• Mahaweli reservoirs at 50%-60% capacity
• NWSDB works round-the-clock

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) imposed a series of 24-hour water cuts across several parts of Colombo District from yesterday (2) until 10 April, citing limited water availability due to prevailing dry weather conditions and reduced reservoir capacity.

Under the schedule, residents in Padukka, Homagama, Pelanwatta and Pannipitiya will experience 24-hour water interruptions once every four days, beginning at 8 p.m. on the designated dates. The staggered system has been introduced in a bid to manage dwindling supplies while avoiding prolonged daily disruptions across all areas.

Padukka was the first to be affected, with a 24-hour water cut imposed from 8 p.m. yesterday (2) until 8 p.m. today (3). Supply to the area will then continue uninterrupted for three days before being suspended again on 6 April. Homagama will undergo a similar interruption from 8 p.m. today (3) to 8 p.m. tomorrow (4), followed by three days of continuous supply, with the next cut scheduled for 7 April. Pelanwatta will face its 24-hour cut from 8 p.m. tomorrow (4), with a subsequent interruption on 8 April, while Pannipitiya will experience a 24-hour suspension from 8 p.m. on 5 April.

In addition to these extended outages, the NWSDB has also scheduled three-hour water cuts every other day in Battaramulla, Pamankada, Wellawatte, Nawala and surrounding areas. These interruptions will take place from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. throughout the same period.

The NWSDB stated that the staggered schedule has been designed to distribute available water equitably while ensuring that consumers are still able to meet their essential daily requirements. The Board emphasised that this approach would prevent the need for more severe, prolonged or islandwide water restrictions if the dry conditions persist.

Explaining the situation further, NWSDB General Manager (Western Central) Disna Pannila said that the current shortages are primarily due to reduced water production at the Labugama and Kalatuwawa reservoirs, which are among the key sources supplying water to parts of the Western Province.

Addressing a press conference at the Government Information Department, NWSDB Chairperson, Engineer Chandana Bandara, said that although the Ambathale Water Treatment Plant continues to operate at stable levels, approximately 150,000 consumers who depend on supplies from the Labugama and Kalatuwawa systems will not be able to receive a continuous water supply under the present conditions.

He noted that, based on current consumption patterns, the Labugama Reservoir has sufficient capacity for around 50 days, while the Kalatuwawa Reservoir can sustain supply for only 20 to 22 days. However, he said that efforts are being made to extend the use of available water in Kalatuwawa to at least 30 days through careful management and scheduled distribution.

Bandara further stated that if rainfall is received in the coming days, the NWSDB is prepared to revise the water cut schedule within hours, depending on improvements in reservoir levels and production capacity.

He also pointed out that reservoirs linked to the Mahaweli system currently retain between 50% and 60% of their water capacity. These sources, he said, may be utilised to supplement supplies in affected areas if necessary, although logistical and operational considerations would determine the extent to which such measures could be implemented.

Meanwhile, the NWSDB has appointed a special operations committee to monitor and manage the ongoing drinking water shortage. The committee, comprising relevant officials, has been tasked with overseeing water distribution, assessing production capacity and ensuring the efficient use of limited resources.

According to the NWSDB, the committee will conduct daily and weekly reviews of water availability, supply patterns and consumption trends, while also coordinating with relevant sectors to address emerging challenges. It is also expected to submit regular management reports and recommend adjustments to the distribution plan as required.

The Board stressed that the primary objective of these measures is to maintain minimum service levels, prevent prolonged daily interruptions and ensure that available water is distributed in a manner that minimises inconvenience to the public until reservoir levels recover.

Bandara said that NWSDB staff are working around the clock to manage the situation, with leave for maintenance divisions having been cancelled to ensure uninterrupted operational support during the period of restricted supply.

He further noted that water consumption has increased significantly due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, placing additional strain on already limited resources. In this context, he warned that further restrictions on water production and distribution may become necessary if the situation worsens.

Urging the public to act responsibly, Bandara called on consumers to limit water usage to essential activities and avoid wastage, noting that public cooperation would be critical in preventing a more severe crisis.

The measures come amid forecasts from the Meteorology Department indicating that little or no rainfall is expected over the next three weeks. The NWSDB has also observed a marked increase in water consumption during this period, further exacerbating pressure on available supplies.