The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) temporarily suspended water supplies to several areas in Colombo and Gampaha districts after a chemical was released into the environment by a private factory, raising concerns over the safety of drinking water.
The Ambatale and Biyagama water treatment plants were shut down as an immediate precaution after the chemical release was detected.
NWSDB chemical engineers launched an investigation and inspected the affected area to determine whether pollutants had entered the Kelani River, the main water source for both treatment plants.
NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara said the water supply was suspended until tests confirmed that the river water remained safe for public consumption.
Following testing and confirmation of the water quality, both treatment plants resumed operations at around 4.30 a.m. today.
Water supplies to several areas in Colombo were restored by around 7 a.m., while supplies to Kotte, Battaramulla and Wellawatta were restored by around 9 a.m. Water supply to Biyagama, Kelaniya and Gampaha was also restored from around 6 a.m.
However, concerns remain over how the chemical entered the environment and whether the incident posed a wider threat to the Kelani River and the thousands of people who depend on it for drinking water.
Chairman Bandara said a comprehensive investigation into the incident is being conducted jointly by the Disaster Management Centre and the security forces.
He said the NWSDB had also lodged a complaint with the police and informed the relevant authorities to take appropriate legal action against those responsible.
The incident has renewed concerns over the monitoring of industrial activities near major water sources and the potential risks posed by chemical pollution to public health and the environment.
