Water is classified as one of the most basic human needs. Although it covers 2/3 of the earth's surface giving the allusion that it is an infinite resource we are about to be proved wrong as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) claims that they are unable to supply water 24 hours to urban areas due to the rapidly rising demand."We are already suffering from a water shortage this year as it is difficult to accommodate the growing demand. NWSDB General Manager K.L.L Premanath said. "In places like Piliyandala, Moratuwa and the North of Colombo there are already water shortages. So we advice the people to use other sources to get quality water and also reduce their consumption,' he added. "Rain water harvesting methods are one viable alternative to circumvent the shortage. We will have to manage the current situation with the available capacity until two new water treatment plants are built in Ambatale in 2010,' he added. The rain water harvesting process, an ancient method used to store water during droughts, is an ideal solution to secure a 24 hour water supply while curbing flash floods due to excess rain water and sky rocketing water bills. If done properly research shows that it could save up to 60% of the average household's monthly water bill. According to Lanka Rain Water Harvesting Forum Director Tanuja Ariyananda people in urban areas will soon face the challenge of not having water throughout the day as demands have increased to an extent where the water board is unable to supply the growing need. The Urban Development and Water Supply Minister Dinesh Gunawardena earlier initiated a policy, which ensured the Urban Development Authority will only approve plans for new houses and buildings which have a rain water harvesting system Though the policy is in place Mrs. Ariyananda said she was doubtful about its effectiveness as many architects and house builders neglect this aspect. "Some of the main challenges we face when implementing the rain water harvesting system in urban areas is the lack of space available on one's property and the lack of interest in storing rain water as people have taken water for granted and they see it as an abundant resource that is cheap,' she said. According to Ariyananda the government is running at a loss when supplying water to areas as they spend around Rs 27 per unit (1000L) for the entire procedure while they only charge Rs 1.50 per 10 units. Ariyananda also said that it's difficult to conduct programs in the urban areas as donors tend to be hesitant to assist such programs as urban areas are already well secured.