FEHD Reports Significant Progress in Tackling Dripping Air Conditioner Issues in Hong Kong

FEHD summarises efforts to combat dripping air conditioners this year

A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (December 15) that the department has been adopting a multipronged approach to tackle dripping air conditioner issues. The FEHD stepped up inspections and enforcement across districts in Hong Kong this summer. By combining publicity and education, the application of innovative technology and adjustments to operational strategies, the measures have achieved notable results.

The spokesman said, "As of November 30, the FEHD had handled accumulatively about 8 500 dripping air conditioners this year, a number that had risen by approximately three times compared to 2023, and recorded an increase of more than 30 per cent compared with the same period last year. The problem of dripping air conditioners has shown considerable improvement at locations identified as black spots.

"Given the vast number of air conditioners across Hong Kong, dripping air conditioners remain common and pose considerable challenges to the department's enforcement efforts. The FEHD will build on this year's experience to formulate more effective strategies and measures. These include the additional use of AI image recognition technology to automatically detect dripping sources, as well as strengthening collaboration with the property management sector to tackle the problem of dripping air conditioners and improve the living environment for the public," the spokesman added.

The FEHD adopted a new operational strategy this year. In addition to sustaining the effort in handling public complaints, FEHD officers proactively conducted door-to-door inspections and took enforcement action at about 300 key follow-up locations with dripping air conditioners across districts. Thirty dripping blackspots causing significant nuisance to the public, including bus stops, minibus stops and pedestrian passages, were also targeted, with enforcement actions conducted at least once a week. To address the prevalence of dripping issues during night-time and early morning hours, the department reallocated manpower for investigations, shifting from the previous 70 per cent daytime and 30 per cent night-time distribution to 30 per cent daytime and 70 per cent night-time.

By leveraging innovative technology, the FEHD also collaborated with the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre under the Innovation and Technology Commission to develop the Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System, which has achieved remarkable results while being used in all districts. Equipped with infrared night-vision recording, the system can quickly identify the source of dripping at night or in low-light conditions. With a detection range of up to 120 meters, it can cover buildings of around 40 stories high, significantly reducing the time required for investigation and evidence collection. Building on the existing Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System, the FEHD plans to develop AI recognition technology to automatically detect dripping locations and accurately pinpoint sources, thereby significantly improving investigation accuracy and enhancing the work efficiency. The department aims to begin implementing the new technology in the summer next year.

The FEHD also strengthened publicity and education in collaboration with District Council members, members of the local community and property management companies. Leaflets and posters were distributed, promotional materials were displayed at bus stops, and feature videos were released through social media, radio and television, reminding the public to check their air conditioners regularly and promptly address any dripping issues to avoid creating a nuisance.

In addition, the FEHD recently collaborated with the Property Management Services Authority to develop the Best Practice Guide on Handling Dripping Air Conditioners, providing guidance for licensed property management companies and property management personnel. In parallel, the FEHD continues to promote the Scheme of Participation by Property Management Agents in Tackling Dripping Air-conditioners, inviting property management agents of private housing estates to assist in handling related complaints. Currently, about 290 private housing estates participate in the Scheme, handling an average of over 4 000 cases annually.

The FEHD calls on all sectors to work together. Property management companies should repair and maintain building drainage systems regularly and remind residents to check and repair their air conditioners. Members of the public should check and maintain their air conditioners regularly and take immediate action if water dripping happens in order to prevent causing a nuisance. For more information, please refer to the leaflet on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/library/aircon/Pamphlet_water_dripping_from_air_conditioner.pdf).

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)

DH announces latest situation of Legionnaires' disease cases

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 15) reported the latest number of Legionnaires' disease (LD) cases, and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

From December 7 to 13, the CHP recorded one imported LD case, involving a 72-year-old male patient who had underlying illnesses.He travelled to the Chinese Mainland during the incubation period.

​The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. Initial investigations revealed that it is a sporadic case. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

As of December 13, 157 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2024 and 2023, there were 135 and 121 LD cases respectively.

Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpool spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or ships.

Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, water fountains, humidifiers and home respiratory devices that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

Immunocompromised persons should:

• Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;

• Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and

• If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers' instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.

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​The public should observe the health advice below:

• Observe personal hygiene;

• Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;

• Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;

• If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) or less and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer's recommendations;

• Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;

• Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;

• Seek and follow doctors' professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and

• When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:

• Wear gloves and a face mask;

• Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;

• Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;

• Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and

• Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

The public may visit the CHP's LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP's risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD.

The Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image