Test results and WSD's follow-up work regarding water supply incident affecting some Taikoo Shing residents
Regarding the appearance of black particles in the drinking water of some buildings in Taikoo Shing, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) had earlier collected water samples from some households, sump and roof drinking water tanks for testing. A spokesman for the WSD stated tonight (November 16) that the analysis has just been completed, showing that all water samples have met Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards. The small amount of black particles found in the samples were confirmed to be bitumen. It is believed that water pressure changes caused by WSD's temporary redirecting of water supply near Taikoo Shing last night stirred up bitumen sediments inside the pipes. These sediments are inert substances and pose no harm to human health.
The black particles in the drinking water of some buildings in Taikoo Shing, Photo source: Facebook
The spokesman said that the WSD had already issued a press release earlier today explaining the cause of the incident (https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/16/P2025111600466.htm), adding that the damaged filter at the estate's public water inlet was repaired last night, and pipe flushing has been strengthened. To minimise inconvenience to residents, the WSD, together with the estate's property management company, arranged for cleansing of the sump drinking water tanks of affected buildings starting tonight at off-peak water usage hours (around 12:30am), expected to finish by dawn. Cleansing of roof drinking water tanks will follow tomorrow morning during off-peak water usage hours, with completion expected within the day. After these follow-up actions, the situation of black particles in drinking water is expected to improve significantly.
Further investigation showed that the affected buildings are mainly in phases four and five, totalling 14 blocks, about 20 per cent of the estate. WSD staff have been dispatched to work with the property management office to assist residents in flushing water meters and water heater inlets. As of 9pm today, about 100 water meters have been flushed, and more than 20 technicians have been arranged to flush electric water heater inlets. These actions will continue tomorrow.
To reassure residents, the WSD will continue to place water trucks and tanks in the estate to provide temporary water supply services, and set up a service counter and work together with the property management office to answer residents' 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, and arrangements will be made promptly for follow-up.
The spokesman added that to prevent occurrence of similar incidents in the future, the WSD will not only conduct routine regular inspections of the estate's inlet filters, but also check the filters before and after pipe maintenance works to ensure they remain in good condition and can effectively block sediments stirred up during such works.
The Water Supplies Department, Photo source: news.gov.hk
