WSD closely follows up on water supply incident affecting some Taikoo Shing residents
Regarding the appearance of black particles in the drinking water of some Taikoo Shing households, a spokesman for the Water Supplies Department (WSD) stated today (November 16) that the department is closely following up on the situation. Since receiving the notification from the Taikoo Shing management office last night (November 15) that residents (mainly from phases four and five) had found small black particles in drinking water, the WSD immediately dispatched staff to look into the incident. Water samples were collected from affected households and the sump and roof drinking water tanks of the buildings for laboratory testing. Results are pending. Based on past experience, the black particles are believed to be bitumen protective coating in the water pipes.
The black particles in the drinking water of some buildings in Taikoo Shing, Photo source: FB
To facilitate pipe maintenance works, the WSD carried out temporary redirecting of water supply near Taikoo Shing last night in which the changes in water pressure may have disturbed sediment inside the pipes. At the same time, investigations revealed damage to one of the filter facilities at the estate's public water inlet, which may have allowed a small amount of sediment to enter the estate's public water pipes, causing particles to appear in some households' drinking water. The WSD routinely inspects these inlet filters, with the most recent regular check on November 3 showing no abnormalities. The damaged filter was repaired last night, and the WSD has strengthened pipe flushing in the affected system.
The WSD understands residents' concerns. To safeguard users, it is advised that if water has remained in pipes for some time, or when using taps for the first time each morning, residents should let the water run until it becomes clear before consumption. To reassure residents, water trucks have been stationed on-site to provide temporary water supply.
Additionally, the WSD has set up a service counter at the site, working with the property management office to assist residents in flushing water meters and to answer enquiries immediately. If residents notice abnormalities in their drinking water, they should notify the management office at once or call the WSD Customer Service Hotline at 2824 5000. The WSD will arrange for staff to follow up as quickly as possible.
The Water Supplies Department, Photo source: news.gov.hk
