Balagolla water plant supply restored for 16,977 Kundasale connections

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) says that the water supply scheme operated through the Balagolla Water Treatment Plant, which serves 16,977 water connections in the Kundasale Divisional Secretariat area, has now been restored following a temporary disruption.

The system supplies piped water to areas including Balagolla, Digana, Alukwatte, Warapitiya, Gam Udawa, Kundasale, Dambarawa, Wipesirigama, BOI, and IDB zones.

According to the Board, the intake system of the treatment plant operates using pumps installed on pontoons in the Victoria Reservoir. However, during recent severe drought conditions and following Cyclone Ditwa, the reservoir water level dropped significantly, and heavy siltation occurred in the pumping area. This resulted in intermittent pump operation and a severe disruption to the treatment process for around 10 days, from April 6 to April 15, 2026.

To address the issue, the Board constructed a temporary dam to stabilize operations and restore water intake. The water supply has now been reinstated to most of the affected service areas. In addition, water bowsers are being deployed where necessary to meet immediate demand.

The NWSDB further said that long-term measures are being implemented to prevent similar disruptions in the future. This includes ongoing work to divert raw water to the Balagolla Water Treatment Plant through a newly constructed 2 km, 225 mm HDPE pipeline from a water pool in the Haragama area of the Victoria Reservoir. The project is expected to be completed within two to three days.

The Board confirmed that normal operations at the Balagolla Water Treatment Plant have now resumed, with water distribution continuing.

Chairman of the NWSDB, Engineer Chandana Bandara, expressed appreciation for media institutions, stating that accurate dissemination of information is essential to avoid public inconvenience during such situations.

Source - Daily Mirror