Colombo, Gampaha water supply being restored after Kelani river issue
AI-generated representational image; not an actual photograph of the incident or location.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) says water supply from the Kelani River has resumed after an emergency water quality issue was resolved with the assistance of the three armed forces.
Water supply from the Ambatale and Kelani Right Bank water treatment plants had been temporarily suspended with immediate effect early today (August 25) after the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) alerted the NWSDB to an emergency situation near the Kelani River water intake.
The situation had raised concerns over the quality of water supplied to several areas in the Colombo and Gampaha districts.
The NWSDB said the temporary suspension was imposed as a precaution to protect the health and safety of consumers while investigations and necessary measures were carried out.
In its latest notice issued at 6:00 a.m. today, the Board said the emergency situation affecting water quality at the intake point had been resolved with the assistance of the three armed forces.
Following a recommendation by the DMC, laboratory tests were carried out before water distribution was resumed. The NWSDB said the tests confirmed that the water met the required quality standards.
Accordingly, steps have been taken to restore the water supply.
The Board said water supply to areas close to the treatment plants is expected to return to normal within the next few hours.
However, full restoration may take longer in areas including Battaramulla, Kotte, Pamankada and Nugegoda.
The NWSDB requested the public’s cooperation with the measures being taken to ensure the health and safety of consumers.
UPDATE – 10:30 AM:
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) says the water supply disruption was caused by a chemical substance released into the environment by a private factory.
NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara said the incident occurred at around 11:30 PM yesterday (August 24), prompting the temporary shutdown of the Ambatale and Biyagama water treatment plants as an immediate safety measure.
He said NWSDB chemists tested water quality at several locations along the Kelani River overnight. After confirming that the water was safe, water production and distribution from both treatment plants resumed at around 4:30 AM today (August 25).
The Chairman said the situation has now returned to normal, while the Disaster Management Centre and security forces are conducting a broad investigation into the incident.
The NWSDB has also lodged a complaint with the Police, and relevant institutions have been informed to take legal action over the chemical release.