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NWSDB says no disruptions to operations at Ambatale water treatment plant
View(s):By Dilushi Wijeisnghe
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) yesterday assured the public that the operations at Ambatale Water Treatment Plant, remain stable and uninterrupted.
The assurance follows various reports that the Ambatale water treatment plant, which purifies 550,000 cubic metres of water daily and supplies to nearly 70 percent of Colombo’s residents, was at imminent risk due to rising floodwaters.
NWSDB chairman Chandana Bandara had told the media earlier yesterday that the Irrigation Department and other relevant Disaster Management authorities had warned that if the water level of the Kelani River reached above 7 feet it would affect the functioning of the Ambatale water plant.
However, officials of the Board last night firmly dismissed the claims, assuring the public that operations would continue uninterrupted.
“We are at a manageable level, as there is no risk at the moment,” a senior official told the Sunday Times. “We are confident that the pump will remain unaffected.”
Explaining the safeguards in place, the official noted that the pumps drawing water from the Kelani River operate safely only if kept dry, but the current conditions did not pose any threat.
“The pumps must remain above water. There will only be a risk if water enters the pump. Based on the water levels we monitor, the rate of rise, and the elevation of our system, we are 100 percent sure there will be no risk,” the official said.
Deputy General Manager of the plant, Eng. Lalith Wijesinghe also urged residents across the Western Province not to panic about water supply disruptions. “If a situation arises, we will inform the public,” he said.
The Sunday Times learnt that as of last evening, several treatment plants in Kandy, Kegalle, Mawanella, North Central Province, Sabaragamuwa and Uva had been submerged, completely disrupting water supply to residents.
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