People facing potable water issues as arid weather conditions worsen
The prevailing arid weather conditions have started to impact on water levels in reservoirs as well as drinking water supply.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has appealed to the public to use water sparingly.
NWSDB Deputy General Manager Anoja Kaluarachchi said that they have started to distribute water in a controlled manner for the purpose of drinking. She said some of the peripheral areas were experiencing a drinking water crisis as a result of an increased consumption of water. She said as far as drinking water supplies are concerned, 15 water tanks have been affected, of which nine are at a manageable level. Water is being distributed to some areas in Kandy, Urubokka, Gampolawatta, Pullella, Pusselawa, Hatton and Kotagala.
Ms. Kaluarachchi said that even though the water levels in reservoirs remained quite favourable they could drop due to the prevailing conditions.
“Issues related to drinking water supply can be reported to the NWSDB on 1939 or 117," she said. Meanwhile the water levels of both Maussakelle and Castlereigh reservoirs are on the decline, an official in charge pointed out.
The water level at Castlereigh reservoir had dropped by 24.6 feet while Maussakelle reservoir too had dropped by 22 feet. Necessary steps would be taken to provide the remaining amount of water to hydro power plants for power generation, the official said.
Meanwhile the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) in its situation report issued yesterday said that Divulapitiya in the Gampaha District and Warakapola, Ruwanwella and Yatiyanthota have been affected by drought conditions. DMC Director Major General Udaya Herath said the some areas in the North and North-Central Districts were facing difficulties in accessing drinking water.
He said the DMC has deployed water bowsers to the affected areas.