News
Water cuts necessary to avert some areas from going dry completely, say officials
View(s):- Households facing long duration cuts undergo severe disruption to daily life
By Ishu Bandara
Residents in several suburbs of Colombo are facing difficulties due to water cuts that have been imposed due to to the prevailing dry weather. Some areas initially experienced interruptions of up to 24 hours, which were later reduced to around 18 hours with many families facing disruptions to their daily activities such as cooking, bathing, and cleaning.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has introduced a rotating water cut system affecting Padukka, Homagama, Pannipitiya, Maharagama, Piliyandala, and Kesbewa. These areas are mainly supplied by the Labugama, Kalatuwawa, and Ambatale reservoirs, which are recording low water levels.
The water gauge in the Kelani River showing a drop in the water level. Pic by Eshan Fernando
NWSDB chairman Chandana Bandara, told the Sunday Times that if they continue providing a uninterrupted water supply in the absence of rainfall, the storage could be exhausted, potentially forcing them to shut down pumps entirely.
According to Mr. Bandara, the combination of dry weather and high temperatures has pushed water usage to a very high level. The restrictions are designed to ensure that those at the end of supply lines or in elevated areas still receive some water, rather than having certain regions go without supply for days while others receive 24 hour service.
He explained that the water cuts started on April 2 and will continue until April 10. “These steps are necessary to keep the water system working for everyone and to avoid a bigger problem,” he said.
He further explained that the main reason for the cuts is the low water level in the reservoirs and the high demand caused by hot weather. As a result, water pressure has dropped, especially in higher elevation areas and far-end locations.
“If we supply water without limits, the reservoirs could run dry and the system may fail,” he said. “So we have to manage the supply carefully.”
Under this plan, one area is selected each day for an 18 hour water cut. Padukka was affected first on April 2, followed by some areas of Homagama on April 3, and Palanwatta on April 4.
People in these areas say the situation is very difficult. Even when water is supplied, the pressure is often very low, and in some places, water does not reach them at all.
“We collect water whenever it comes, but it is still not enough for the whole day,” a resident from Pannipitiya said.
In many homes, people stay awake or wait for hours to fill buckets when water is available. Those in high elevation areas are the most affected.
Officials say the rotation system is needed so that at least some areas get water while others are cut off. Without this system, some places could go completely dry for days.
The Water Board also sends mobile messages 24 hours before each cut so people can prepare. However, residents say this does not fully solve the problem.
The Sunday Times learns that apartment buildings are coping better because they have water tanks and storage systems. However, individual houses, especially those without storage, face more difficulty.
There is some hope that the situation may improve. According to Mr. Bandara, the water cut duration may be reduced in the coming days to 12, 10, 8, or even 6 hours, depending on conditions.
“The water cuts will stop from April 11 to April 14 for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival. During this time, normal water supply will be provided. After April 14, if there is no rain, the water cuts may start again,” he said.
He further added, “If these restrictions are not implemented and a continuous supply is maintained, the storage levels would eventually be exhausted, potentially forcing a complete shutdown of the pumps.”
| Expect thundershowers and showers exceeding 50 mm in some areas Showers or thundershowers are forecast in several areas including the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, and Eastern Provinces, as well as in Polonnaruwa district. The Meterological Department said fairly heavy rains exceeding 50 mm are likely in some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva Provinces in the afternoons. Marking a change in weather patterns the department said misty conditions may prevail early morning in some areas in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and North-Central Orovinces, as well as in the Jaffna and Kurunegala districts.
The department also noted that the sun will be directly over Sri Lanka between April 5 and April 15 during the sun’s snorthward movement. On April 5 at 12.13 the sun will be directly over the areas of Dodanduwa, Rathgama, Yakkalamulla, Akuressa, Mulgirigala, Ranna, Kalametiya, and Ussangoda. According to the weather forecast for the sea areas around the island for the next 24 hours, showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast from Galle to Hambantota and from Pottuvil to Batticaloa in the evenings or night time. Winds will be southwesterly or variable in direction, with wind speeds of about 20–30 km/h. During thundershowers, temporary strong winds may occur in these areas, and the sea may become temporarily rough. | |
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!