No plans as yet to restrict water supply despite dry conditions: NWSDB

Colombo, July 28 (Daily Mirror) - The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has said there are no plans as yet to impose water supply restrictions in any part of the country despite the prevailing El Niño-related climate conditions.

According to NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara, the board is continuing operations at maximum water production capacity as no restrictions have been imposed on water extraction from major reservoirs by the Department of Irrigation or the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.

He said any decision to introduce water supply restrictions in the future would depend on changes in weather patterns, reservoir levels and instructions from relevant authorities.

“If water levels decline significantly and the Irrigation Department or the Mahaweli Authority are required to limit water withdrawals, the NWSDB will consider introducing restrictions based on the situation at that time,” Bandara said.

He added that the NWSDB has already begun preparations to face possible challenges arising from the prevailing climate conditions, including improving existing tube well systems to increase groundwater extraction.

Bandara urged the public to use water responsibly, avoid wastage and limit consumption to essential needs until the situation improves.