Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) has been affecting Sri Lanka since 1990s and the affected area is ever increasing. The disease mainly affects the health of the people, but creates more socio-economic problems, leaving otherwise productive people helpless. Although the exact reason behind the disease is yet to be identified, the strongest hypothesis is the deteriorating quality of drinking water. The responsible organizations have been seeking for solutions and a substantial amount of research have been conducted in the country on CKDu. Providing good quality drinking water by using membrane-based treatment plants is one of the measures taken by various authorities. However, there are many issues related to the operation of such community based plants. In our research, we have monitored water treatment plants situated in CKDu affected areas for their performance and associated problems. Alternative water sources such as rainwater was also investigated. The people residing in areas fed by treated pipe-borne water supply also showing concerns in consuming treated water, making the situation even worse. The thorough investigation of the surface and groundwater sources, treatment plants and alternative water sources unveil new fundamental research ideas, leading to conducting basic research to provide better quality water. The presentation will cover the findings of applied and basic research, emphasizing the need of immediate research inputs from water engineers to ease the situation.