Water Supply to Kathmandu Valley Disrupted as Melamchi Source Flooding Halts Distribution Melamchi Water

Residents of the Kathmandu Valley are facing a temporary disruption in drinking water supply after flooding at the source of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project forced authorities to suspend distribution from Friday.

According to Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), the water flowing from the Melamchi River to the treatment center at Sundarijal has been halted after heavy rainfall caused excessive turbidity at the water source, making purification and processing difficult.

KUKL spokesperson Bir Bahadur Chand said the continuous rainfall has significantly increased mud and sediment levels in the river, forcing officials to temporarily stop the water intake system to prevent complications during treatment.

Officials stated that the water supply service will resume according to the regular distribution schedule once the water at the Melamchi intake becomes clear and suitable for processing again.

However, KUKL has warned that if rainfall continues in the coming days, restoring the supply system could take longer than expected, potentially extending water shortages for households across Kathmandu Valley.

The temporary suspension is expected to affect thousands of consumers who rely on Melamchi water as one of the valley’s major drinking water sources, especially during the ongoing monsoon season.

The disruption once again highlights the vulnerability of Kathmandu’s water supply system during periods of heavy rainfall, as sediment-laden water frequently affects operations at the Melamchi project during the monsoon.

Authorities have urged residents to use stored water cautiously until regular distribution resumes.