Residents across multiple Hong Kong housing estates are reporting discolored tap water,prompting investigations by the Water Supplies department. Following initial complaints from Queen’s Hill estate and Kingswood Villa, residents of Tai Koo Shing began noticing black sediment in their water supply late Sunday . Authorities have identified the particles as asphalt, believed to have been stirred up during routine maintenance, and have deployed water trucks while working to flush affected pipes.
am730
Residents of Hong Kong’s Tai Koo Shing estate reported finding black sediment in their tap water late Sunday, following similar complaints from the Queen’s Hill Estate in Fanling and the Kingswood Villa in Ma On Shan. The discovery has prompted an investigation by the Water Supplies Department and the deployment of water trucks to provide temporary water access to concerned residents.
The Water Supplies Department confirmed Monday evening that analysis of water samples revealed the black particles to be asphalt. Officials believe the sediment was stirred up by a water pressure change during routine maintenance conducted Sunday evening in the Tai Koo Shing area. The department emphasized that the asphalt is inert and poses no health risk, and that all water samples met Hong Kong’s drinking water standards.
To reassure residents, the Water Supplies Department will continue to provide water trucks and establish service stations to answer questions. According to the department, the affected buildings are primarily located in phases four and five of the estate, comprising 14 buildings – roughly 20% of the total. Crews are working with property management to flush water meters and the inlets of water heaters. As of 9 p.m. Monday, the department had completed flushing approximately 100 water meters and dispatched over 20 technicians to flush water heater inlets, with the work continuing Tuesday.
Filter Damage Found at Estate Water Inlet
Reports of black particles in the water began surfacing Sunday evening. District councilor Ding Jianghao shared photos on social media showing the extent of the discoloration. The Water Supplies Department dispatched water trucks early Monday to provide residents with an alternative water source. The department stated Monday afternoon that after being notified by the Tai Koo Shing management office about the reports, crews immediately investigated, collecting water samples from affected residences and the estate’s water storage tanks for testing. Initial assessments suggested the black sediment was likely asphalt used as a coating for water pipes.
The department also discovered damage to a filter at the estate’s water inlet during Monday’s investigation, suspecting that this allowed some sediment to enter the public water system. Officials stated that filters are routinely inspected, with the most recent check occurring November 3, when no abnormalities were found. The damaged filter was repaired Monday evening, and the Water Supplies Department has increased flushing of the affected pipes. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure to ensure water quality.
Residents Advised to Flush Taps Before Use
The Water Supplies Department said Monday it understands residents’ concerns. To ensure safety, the department advises residents to run their taps for a period of time if water has been sitting in the pipes, or when first using the tap each morning, until the water runs clear. Water trucks remain on site to provide temporary water access. Service stations have also been set up with property management to assist residents with flushing water meters and answering questions. Residents who notice any abnormalities in their water are encouraged to contact management or the department’s customer service hotline at 2824 5000.
District councilor Hung Lin-shan told am730 that while water supply has not been interrupted in the affected buildings, residents are worried about the sediment and hesitant to use the water. She also noted that similar black sediment was found in the water supply at the nearby West Bay River Grand View earlier, which was resolved by installing filters and replacing pipes. Hung expressed concern over the recurring incidents and urged the Water Supplies Department to thoroughly investigate and address the issue to alleviate public anxieties.
原文刊登於 AM730 https://www.am730.com.hk/本地/太古城食水現黑點-水務署確認沉積物微粒為瀝青-涉及14座大廈/618974?utm_source=yahoorss&utm_medium=referral
