Recent downpours have disrupted operations at several water treatment facilities operated by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, temporarily affecting tens of thousands of consumers across the central districts.
Heavy rainfall across the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura districts has caused temporary disruptions to water supply operations, with floodwaters impacting multiple treatment plants operated by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB). According to NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara, the Meewathura Water Treatment Plant in Peradeniya suspended operations after floodwaters reached its electronic systems, affecting approximately 40,000 families. The facility has since resumed normal operations after water levels in the Mahaweli River receded.
Rising water levels in the Maha Oya river system also affected treatment capacity at the Mawanella and Asupini Ella plants. While the Mawanella facility has fully restored its water supply, the Asupini Ella plant remains offline, leaving nearly 40,000 water connections in the Kegalle District without service. According to Bandara, the flooding has primarily impacted the Kandy and Kegalle districts, while the Western Province has experienced no disruption to its water supply.
Several treatment plants in the central hills were temporarily operated at reduced capacity due to flood conditions, though all except the Asupini Ella facility have returned to normal operations. The NWSDB stated that despite increased mud and sediment levels in rivers caused by flooding, all water supplied to consumers undergoes required treatment processes before distribution. The Board has assured the public that treated water continues to meet required safety standards despite the deteriorating conditions of raw water sources during the monsoon period.
