Water supply suspended temporarily:
Diesel leak contaminates Nilwala river
by Rukshana Rizwie
Water supply to Akuressa, Malimbada, Matara, Mirissa, Dondra, Gandara,
Kottagoda and Dickwella have been suspended temporarily after 15,000
litres of diesel leaked to the river from an underground tank of a fuel
station.
"Residents and the authorities were quick to respond to plug the
leak, however the diesel had already flowed to the river. We have
suspended the supply of water to the areas until the contaminated water
is flushed out of the system," said Chairman, National Water Supply and
Drainage Board, K. Alahudeen Ansar.
He said this was the upstream of the Balukawala, Kadduwa and Nadugala
intake. The Matara water treatment plant has been shut down. The
Akuressa police have also initiated an investigation. "The Marine
Environment Protection Authority has been called in to assist in
removing the layer of oil from the river. We will continue to check raw
and treated water for contaminant levels," he said.
Swift action has also been taken to remove the fuel stored in the
underground tank which led to the leak. Ansar assured the public that
the NSWDB will resume the supply of clean water to the affected areas.
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