First ever sea water – fresh water conversion plant in Delft – A first in Sri Lanka

The National Water supplies and Drainage Board, with the contributions of The Northern Provincial Council had successfully installed the first Sea water to Fresh water conversion plant of Sri Lanka in Delft.

This project was financed by the ADB and the Japanese Fund for alleviating poverty, and two plants working on Reverse Osmosis had been successfully installed.

While considering the drinking water problem of the North was considered projects were planned for 300,000 persons and it was considered better, to transport purified drinking water for Delft in containers by boat than attempting to lay water pipes because of the practical problems in maintenance and repairs.

The plants are now operating at Pidari Munai closer to the Delft pier. The severe water shortage confronting around 4,530 residents for a very long time is coming to an end by the installation of these plants.

This project had been completed at a cost of 102 million and its daily output is around 50 Cubic Meters or 50,000 litres. This is sufficient to fulfill the needs of Delft people. However with future development in view, it is being planned to increase the production to 100M3 . The end product was found to be of a standard better the standard recommended by the Sri Lanka Standards, SLS 614:2013 Publication.

This project has the approval of Environmental Authority, Department of Coastal Preservation. A by- product of the plants, concentrated saline water which is released into the sea is carried away by the heavy currents and mix very easily with sea water and as such, it does not pose any threat to the marine lives.

The fact that Delft had become an area containing potable water may attract other industries towards Delft.

All stages of the water desalination are being closely monitored. It is notable that the residents offered their fullest cooperation to the project team.