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
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps
Hongkong Post announced today (December 15) that Lunar New Year special stamps and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Year of the Horse" will be released for sale on January 5, 2026 (Monday). The "Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals - Snake/Horse", as well as the "Year of the Horse" joint souvenir packs jointly presented by China Post, Hongkong Post and Macao Post and Telecommunications, will also be issued on the same day.
To welcome the Year of the Horse, Hongkong Post will release the third issue of the fifth Lunar New Year special stamp series. The set of four stamps, two stamp sheetlets and associated philatelic products feature horses in various poses. Both the $10 stamp sheetlet and the $50 laser-cut paper art stamp sheetlet showcase a horse adorned with festive floral motifs. The motif on the $50 stamp sheetlet is laser-cut with exquisite technique to create a delicate silhouette of a horse.
For the "Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals - Snake/Horse", this is the second issue in the third Lunar New Year Gold and Silver stamp issue series. This stamp sheetlet is embedded with two zodiac stamps, namely the "Year of the Snake" stamp and "Year of the Horse" stamp, each in a denomination of $50. The snake and the horse on the stamps are adorned with silver and 22-carat gold hot foil stamping respectively, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
In addition, China Post, Hongkong Post and Macao Post and Telecommunications will jointly present the "Year of the Horse" joint souvenir packs, which contain the souvenir sheet jointly issued by the three postal administrations, demonstrating that the three places share the same roots and cultural lineage.
Official first day covers for "Year of the Horse" and official Lunar New Year animals souvenir covers for the "Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals - Snake/Horse" will be on sale at all post offices and on Hongkong Post's online shopping platform ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from tomorrow (December 16). Prestige version of the aforesaid covers and the newly designed 2026 Souvenir Cover will also be available at all philatelic offices and ShopThruPost on the same day.
This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and ShopThruPost from January 5, 2026, while serviced first day covers/Lunar New Year animals souvenir covers affixed with the special stamps, prestige version of serviced first day covers/Lunar New Year animals souvenir covers affixed with the special stamps, postage prepaid Lunar New Year greeting cards (air mail), "Heartwarming Stamps" mini-panes (local/air mail), Joint Souvenir Packs and Joint Souvenir Packs (Prestige) will be available at philatelic offices only.
A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on January 5, 2026, at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.
Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hongkong Post to issue "Year of the Horse" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
