Water muddy, but not poisoned, says Water Board official

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) yesterday dismissed reports that drinking water in Colombo and its suburbs was poisioned, but confirmed that heavy rains during the past few days had led to a changed taste of the water and urged people to boil the water before drinking.

Residents in Colombo and suburbs panicked yesterday as tap water supplied by the Board was discoloured, had an unusual smell and had a different taste.

Deputy General Manager for Western and Central areas (Water) P.N.S. Yapa said the water was being purified and the process would take half a day to complete.