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Water supply from the Melamchi Drinking Water Project to Kathmandu Valley has been temporarily suspended from Thursday after floodwaters and heavy sediment entered the project’s intake following continuous rainfall.

According to Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), water flowing into the Melamchi intake has become excessively turbid, making it difficult to carry out the treatment process required before distribution to consumers across the valley.

KUKL spokesperson Bir Bahadur Chand said the supply of Melamchi water to the Sundarijal Water Treatment Plant has been temporarily halted to ensure that only safe and treated drinking water reaches households.

“The water at the Melamchi intake has become highly muddy due to heavy rainfall. Water treatment operations will resume once the quality improves, and supply will be restored according to the regular distribution schedule,” Chand said.

The temporary suspension affects thousands of households across Kathmandu Valley that rely on Melamchi water as a major source of drinking water.

Officials said the duration of the disruption will depend on weather conditions and water quality at the source. If heavy rainfall continues in the Melamchi catchment area, the restoration of normal water supply could take longer than expected.

Authorities are continuously monitoring conditions at the intake and treatment facilities. Once turbidity levels decline to an acceptable level, water will again be diverted to the Sundarijal treatment plant for purification before distribution.

The Melamchi Drinking Water Project remains the largest source of potable water for Kathmandu Valley, significantly easing the region’s long-standing drinking water shortage. However, during the monsoon season, flooding and sediment-laden river flows frequently disrupt operations, forcing temporary shutdowns to maintain water quality and public health standards.

Residents have been advised to use stored water judiciously until the supply resumes and to follow updates issued by KUKL regarding restoration of services.