Hong Kong hikers fined for taking an illegal dip in Lantau Island's 'infinity pools'
Five dragged to court for entering 'infinity pools' from which fresh water is collected
Five hikers were fined HK$1,000 each in Tsuen Wan Court yesterday for taking a dip in an area dubbed Lantau Island's "infinity pools".
The pools, a popular hiking destination at Shui Lo Cho, Yi O, in fact serve as a gathering ground for fresh water, and entering them is illegal because of the risk of pollution to the fresh water supply.
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A Water Supplies Department spokesman said the department received complaints in May about illegal entry to the water source at the gathering ground in Shui Lo Cho, which had caused pollution to fresh water sources.
The department called in police and 10 people were arrested in total. The other five pleaded guilty earlier at Eastern Court, with each fined HK$500.
"The gathering ground and the impounding reservoirs are both sources of fresh water and should not be contaminated. Hikers in particular should protect these precious water resources while enjoying the beautiful scenery there," a department spokesman said.