The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has initiated a borehole drilling initiative to tap groundwater reserves as a preventive measure against anticipated water scarcity linked to El Niño weather patterns.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has launched a groundwater extraction project designed to safeguard the country's water supply against potential shortages driven by El Niño conditions. According to Board Chairman Engineer Chandana Bandara, the initiative represents a proactive response to forecasted dry weather patterns that could significantly reduce water availability from the nation's rivers and reservoirs.

Chandana Bandara explained that the borehole drilling project aims to establish alternative water sources to maintain consistent supply to consumers should conventional sources become constrained. The move comes at a time when reservoir levels managed by the Water Supply and Drainage Board are currently operating at approximately 55 percent capacity, according to the Board's leadership.

The project underscores growing concerns about climate-related water stress in Sri Lanka, with El Niño phenomena historically associated with reduced precipitation and lower river flows. By developing groundwater infrastructure now, authorities are attempting to build resilience into the water supply system and prevent potential rationing or service disruptions during extended dry periods.