PUCSL proposes standards and regulatory system for water fittings

Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), with the co-operation of other institutions, has drafted the standards and regulatory measures for water fittings in Sri Lanka, with an expectation to facilitate the participation of other regulatory agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that only quality water fittings are manufactured in Sri Lanka, imported to Sri Lanka, and available for purchase in Sri Lankan market. 

With regards to this issue, PUCSL has published a consultation paper that includes the proposed standards and regulatory system for discussion among stakeholders with the view to further improve the proposal. The consultation document can be viewed and downloaded from www.pucsl.gov.lk.

PUCSL requests all stakeholders to submit written comments on the draft regulatory measures for water fittings on or before 27 March, and cordially invites stakeholders to attend the oral session of the public consultation, to be held on Wednesday, 27 March from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Cinema Lounge of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). 

It is estimated that the average operation and maintenance cost of a cubic meter of water ranges between Rs. 40-50 per unit (cubic meter). Therefore, the average cost of water is Rs. 160 per unit, including recovery of capital investment. Currently, the National Water Supply & Drainage Board recovers only Rs. 47. Hence, the Government has to subsidise the water sector in Sri Lanka. This gap must be reduced for the Government to secure funding for coverage expansion to achieve set targets.

It has been observed that the excessive quantity of water is leaked due to use of non-standard water fittings by Sri Lankan water consumers. 

Sri Lanka imports most items related to water fittings. Since there is no import regulation or taxation, inferior-quality non-standard water fittings are flowing into Sri Lanka, contributing much to water wastage, while flowing foreign exchange out of the country.

Water conservation has been identified as a measure for addressing the huge capital requirement for providing new safe pipe-borne water supplies. A subsidised low tariff for water supply doesn’t motivate consumers to prevent leaks by replacing defective water fittings by standard water fittings.

Therefore, a need is identified for regulatory measures for fittings which contribute to water wastage. PUCSL expects to finalise the proposed standards and regulatory measures for water fittings after facilitating the stakeholder views and recommendations.

For more information and registration details, please call 076-4271030.