Water cuts around the corner?

Public urged to use water sparingly until the expected rains arrive 

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Water cuts are looming as Sri Lanka grapples with worsening dry weather, with authorities warning that restrictions may soon be unavoidable if the drought continues. 

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said water supply may have to be restricted for several hours a day over the next two to three weeks due to prevailing dry conditions across the country. 

Speaking to the media, NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara said that although water cuts have not yet been imposed, it may become difficult to maintain a continuous 24-hour water supply if the dry weather persists, making restrictions inevitable. 

He said the production capacity of major facilities, including the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant, has not been affected so far, but supply to high-elevation areas has already been reduced to low-pressure levels. 

“Bowser services will be deployed to areas experiencing severe water shortages, he said, while urging the public to use water sparingly until the expected rains arrive,” the Chairman added. 

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored on a daily basis, and further decisions on water restrictions will depend on rainfall received over the next few weeks. 

Meanwhile, according to the Department of Meteorology, the heat index, the temperature felt on the human body, is expected to reach the ‘Caution level’ in some areas of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-Western, Northern and North-Central Provinces and in the Monaragala District, raising further concerns over water demand and public health.