Sri Lankan authorities urge public to cut water use due to drought

COLOMBO, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) on Wednesday asked consumers to use drinking water sparingly, as ongoing dry weather is limiting supplies across the country.

The NWSDB said the extreme dry conditions have rapidly lowered water levels at major sources, while demand for water has risen because of the heat.

To ensure everyone has enough for essential needs, the water board urged the public to use water only for drinking and sanitation and avoid non-essential uses like washing vehicles and gardening.

Due to high demand, residents in highland areas may experience lower water pressure, the NWSDB said.

The prevailing dry weather will last in the foreseeable future, the country's meteorological department said recently.