https://www.scmp.com/rss/325856/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Accountability is at the core of a disciplinary investigation into the scandal involving the procurement of bottled water for government offices last year. Equally important is that lessons are learned and the appropriate punishment meted out to those responsible so as to serve as a stern warning for civil servants who fail to discharge their duties conscientiously. It has been found that three Government Logistics Department officers did not perform up to the standards commensurate with their... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340646/bottled-water-scandal-should-prompt-civil-servants-exercise-due-diligence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340646/bottled-water-scandal-should-prompt-civil-servants-exercise-due-diligence?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 23:15:08 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong authorities have set up a three-member expert group to look into persistent freshwater losses at Yuen Long’s Fairview Park housing estate, following criticism from landlords over bureaucratic inertia. But the Water Supplies Department maintained that it was not responsible for repairing water pipes laid within private land, though authorities would provide technical support to residents. In a Facebook post on Sunday, the department said it had commissioned an independent expert panel... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339523/expert-panel-formed-hong-kong-probe-chronic-water-loss-yuen-long-estate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339523/expert-panel-formed-hong-kong-probe-chronic-water-loss-yuen-long-estate?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:48:58 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin A Hong Kong village has been without water for more than 10 days, with the Water Supplies Department pledging to resolve the disruption by the end of the week. Eight village houses and some temporary structures in Kai Hang Tun village in Sai Kung lost stable water supply on November 14, and the problem remained unresolved as of Wednesday, the Post learned. The department attributed the shortage to weakened water pressure caused by a leak. It said it had already replaced 60 per cent of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334271/village-hong-kongs-sai-kung-struggles-without-water-more-10-days?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334271/village-hong-kongs-sai-kung-struggles-without-water-more-10-days?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:39:53 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The public is understandably worried after yet another housing estate was found to have its water supply tainted with black particles, the fifth case this year so far. Given that the material in question was commonly used in water pipe coatings in the past and will wear off over time, the government should speed up pipe replacement work lest more health scares occur. The government has swiftly responded to the situation this time, including providing a temporary water supply to affected... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3333498/hong-kong-must-hasten-water-pipe-replacement-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3333498/hong-kong-must-hasten-water-pipe-replacement-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Nov 2025 23:15:14 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Worried residents at a major private housing estate in Hong Kong lined up to have their water meters cleaned on Monday after bitumen particles were found in their drinking supply, with many also complaining that their hot taps had run dry. People queued at a service counter set up by the Water Supplies Department at Taikoo Shing in Quarry Bay in the afternoon after laboratory tests confirmed that the black particles found in the drinking water of 14 blocks the night before were bitumen. Bitumen,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3333135/hot-water-runs-out-hong-kong-estate-amid-bitumen-clean-safety-fears-grow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3333135/hot-water-runs-out-hong-kong-estate-amid-bitumen-clean-safety-fears-grow?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:41:42 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Hong Kong authorities have vowed to work through the night and into the morning to clean all water tanks at a private residential estate in Quarry Bay that were found to contain bitumen, the city’s fifth such case this year. The Water Supplies Department said on Sunday night that its laboratory tests had confirmed that the black particles found in the polluted drinking water of 14 blocks of the Taikoo Shing residential development in Quarry Bay were bitumen. Bitumen is a black, sticky substance... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3332992/black-particles-found-tap-water-hong-kong-private-estate-fifth-case-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3332992/black-particles-found-tap-water-hong-kong-private-estate-fifth-case-year?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Nov 2025 11:57:24 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial A disciplinary investigation has been rightly ordered regarding the actions of Hong Kong officials involved in a scandal related to the procurement of bottled water for government offices. Integrity and trust in the system are at stake. It is good the inquiry will extend to all officials, regardless of rank or whether they have retired. An initial review by the city’s Audit Commission found human error may have been a factor. The watchdog discovered that the Government Logistics Department (GLD)... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3330039/probe-hong-kongs-water-procurement-scandal-must-restore-trust?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3330039/probe-hong-kongs-water-procurement-scandal-must-restore-trust?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Oct 2025 23:15:14 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Authorities have found bitumen in the freshwater supply of a Hong Kong subsidised housing estate, tracing the source of the sediment to a public pipe that was inspected last week. The Water Supplies Department said on Thursday that it was alerted to the issue by the property management office of Kam Chun Court in Ma On Shan, involving blocks C, D and E. Officers were deployed to collect and test water samples at the relevant flats and freshwater tanks in the buildings. “The results show that all... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326040/bitumen-found-water-supply-subsidised-estate-hong-kongs-ma-shan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326040/bitumen-found-water-supply-subsidised-estate-hong-kongs-ma-shan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:00:50 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong authorities have invested HK$30 million (US$3.8 million) in developing water pipe robots, modelled after endoscopes, to navigate the city’s complex urban infrastructure and detect leaks, addressing risks posed by an ageing network. The Water Supplies Department announced on Monday the opening of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, a collaboration with Polytechnic University and mainland Chinese robotics company Shenzhen Bwell Technology. Under the two-year collaboration, researchers... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3323942/hong-kong-invests-hk30-million-water-pipe-robots-detect-leakages?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3323942/hong-kong-invests-hk30-million-water-pipe-robots-detect-leakages?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:35:01 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong authorities have confirmed the presence of bitumen in water samples from a private estate in Sai Wan Ho, with the substance believed to have originated from upstream supply pipe work. In a reply to the Post on Thursday, the Water Supplies Department said it had conducted tests on samples after receiving isolated reports from the management office of Grand Promenade in Sai Wan Ho about black particles in drinking water. The department noted that the water samples collected from the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3317656/hong-kong-authorities-confirm-bitumen-water-sai-wan-ho-private-estate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3317656/hong-kong-authorities-confirm-bitumen-water-sai-wan-ho-private-estate?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:55:48 +0000 Jiang Chuqin,Ambrose Li Jiang Chuqin,Ambrose Li Hong Kong authorities have provided temporary tanks and vowed to improve the pipes for thousands of households in Sai Wan Ho after bitumen particles were found in water supply samples, according to a lawmaker and the management of a housing estate. Lawmaker Edward Leung Hei said on Wednesday that he had also received complaints about particles in the water from some residents at the Grand Promenade and Lei King Wan estates, which are home to about 2,000 and 2,300 households respectively. “The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317597/fresh-case-bitumen-water-supply-hong-kong-housing-lawmaker-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317597/fresh-case-bitumen-water-supply-hong-kong-housing-lawmaker-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:13:44 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso “Tap water, purified water, distilled water – these are the most prevalent and common choices in Hong Kong,” says Joanne Zhou. Founder and CEO of start-up In Lieu, Zhou wants to supplement our shop-bought options with what she says is the city’s first premium sustainable water brand. Having launched In Lieu in February, Zhou cites studies about the rising rates of chronic illnesses in young people as the main reason why we should start paying more attention to this humble yet vital elixir of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3316328/unpolluted-untouched-why-lieu-sourcing-premium-water-henan-explains-start-founder-and-ceo-joanne?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3316328/unpolluted-untouched-why-lieu-sourcing-premium-water-henan-explains-start-founder-and-ceo-joanne?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:45:14 +0000 Sammy Heung Sammy Heung The water pipe believed to have introduced black particles of bitumen into the freshwater supply at two public housing estates in Hong Kong last month will be replaced by early July, the development minister has pledged. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho also said on Wednesday that authorities had completed more than 1,500 requests from residents at Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court in Fanling to flush their water meters within one to two days, and most people reported... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3314897/bitumen-lined-water-pipe-hong-kong-be-replaced-early-july-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3314897/bitumen-lined-water-pipe-hong-kong-be-replaced-early-july-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:07:40 +0000 Sammy Heung Sammy Heung Hong Kong authorities have been urged by lawmakers to disclose the locations of pipes lined with bitumen and to install sensors to monitor water quality after the substance was discovered in the freshwater supply at two public housing estates. The government previously stated that 700km (434 miles) of water pipes, accounting for 8 per cent of the city’s total water pipe network, had an inner protective coating of bitumen. Lawmaker and engineer Lo Wai-kwok said on Monday the pipes in question... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3313653/hong-kong-lawmakers-push-bitumen-lined-water-pipe-replacement-and-disclosure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3313653/hong-kong-lawmakers-push-bitumen-lined-water-pipe-replacement-and-disclosure?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:25:39 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, the government launched a series of events reminding residents to be grateful for the water they drink. Earlier in the year, Director of Water Supplies Roger Wong Yan-lok said he hoped the public would more deeply understand the importance of the water supply and appreciate the country’s immense support. Yes, water is life. It is not to be taken for granted. That’s why both Wong and Secretary for Development Bernadette... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3313400/how-hard-can-it-be-say-sorry-over-fanling-water-scare?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3313400/how-hard-can-it-be-say-sorry-over-fanling-water-scare?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Jun 2025 01:30:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Water is a basic human need and supplying it is a fundamental duty for authorities in cities like Hong Kong. When black particles were found recently in drinking water at two local public housing estates, there was a need for a faster initial response than was delivered. The debris was first reported on May 30. As speculation about the source grew, some estate residents started buying bottled water. On Wednesday, tests commissioned by media outlets found bitumen, an anti-rust and sealant coating... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3313516/hong-kong-residents-should-not-be-left-high-and-dry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3313516/hong-kong-residents-should-not-be-left-high-and-dry?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jun 2025 22:30:08 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong’s leader has rolled out 10 measures to address concerns over the supply of freshwater containing a banned substance at two public housing estates. The Post unpacks the water safety concerns behind the saga and how people can protect themselves. 1. What’s the scandal about? Residents at two public rental and subsidised estates in Fanling first reported the presence of black particles in their drinking water on Friday last week, prompting some to buy bottled water as speculation mounted... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3313509/hong-kong-water-safety-scandal-what-happened-and-how-protect-yourself?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3313509/hong-kong-water-safety-scandal-what-happened-and-how-protect-yourself?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jun 2025 13:02:33 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong will begin replacing a 400-metre (437 yards) section of water pipe lined with bitumen this year before carrying out citywide work, as it is believed to be the source of black particles dirtying the water at two public housing estates. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said on Saturday that the government would prioritise the stretch of pipe between Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court in Fanling, the only one lined with bitumen that connects the two sites. She said the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3313494/replacement-work-water-pipe-gave-hongkongers-scare-begin-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3313494/replacement-work-water-pipe-gave-hongkongers-scare-begin-year?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jun 2025 10:12:17 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong authorities’ hands are tied when it comes to tackling the “ticking time bomb” of the city’s ageing water pipes due to a lack of resources and resistance to disruptions caused by replacement works, experts have said. Experts and lawmakers said the city’s high population density and ageing pipes had caused frequent water main bursts at housing estates in the New Territories in recent months, with incidents in Tuen Mun, Tseung Kwan O and Sha Tin as much of their infrastructure hits the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3313465/why-hong-kong-slow-tackle-ticking-time-bomb-ageing-water-pipes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3313465/why-hong-kong-slow-tackle-ticking-time-bomb-ageing-water-pipes?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jun 2025 04:01:05 +0000 Willa Wu,Vivian Au Willa Wu,Vivian Au Hong Kong’s leader has announced 10 follow-up measures to ease worries over black particles found in the water supply at two public housing estates a week after residents voiced their concerns, as the government faced mounting criticism over its slow response. A veteran political analyst also called the government’s response “embarrassing”, saying it undermined the city’s efforts to show improvements in public welfare before an anticipated visit by a senior Beijing official. Seven days after the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3313443/embarrassing-how-hong-kongs-response-bitumen-water-supply-shows-flaws?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3313443/embarrassing-how-hong-kongs-response-bitumen-water-supply-shows-flaws?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:24:19 +0000 Vivian Au,Elizabeth Cheung Vivian Au,Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong’s leader has ordered authorities to replace hundreds of metres of bitumen-lined pipes as one of 10 measures to address residents’ concerns over black particles dirtying the water at two public housing estates. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu weighed in on Friday, a week after initial reports of the particles emerged, as he tasked Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun with supervising the implementation of the measures. Government test results on Thursday confirmed that the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3313312/replacing-ageing-bitumen-lined-water-pipes-part-hong-kongs-long-term-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3313312/replacing-ageing-bitumen-lined-water-pipes-part-hong-kongs-long-term-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:22:34 +0000 Edith Lin,Vivian Au Edith Lin,Vivian Au Black particles found in the freshwater supply at two public housing estates are mainly bitumen, authorities have said, while stressing that the water is safe to drink. Director of Water Supplies Roger Wong Yan-lok sought to reassure the public on Thursday after government tests showed the presence of the substance, which is banned from use in pipes, in most of the 126 samples collected from each of the blocks in Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court, both in Fanling. “Bitumen is insoluble in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3313138/hong-kong-faces-pressure-come-clean-after-banned-material-found-estate-water-supply?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3313138/hong-kong-faces-pressure-come-clean-after-banned-material-found-estate-water-supply?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:55:15 +0000 Vivian Au,Edith Lin Vivian Au,Edith Lin Residents at two Hong Kong public estates whose freshwater supply has been tainted by mystery black particles for five days have resorted to buying bottled water for cooking and feeding their children, while a senior official has said test results are expected this week. Tenants at Queens Hill Estate in Fanling last week raised concerns about the particles in their freshwater supply, which were followed by similar reports from residents of nearby Shan Lai Court. Secretary for Development... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3312995/test-results-black-particles-found-2-estates-water-supplies-due-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3312995/test-results-black-particles-found-2-estates-water-supplies-due-week?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:12:00 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Authorities are still investigating the source of black particles detected in the freshwater supply at a Hong Kong public housing estate, while reassuring residents that the water is safe to drink. Tenants of Queens Hill Estate in Fanling had earlier complained about the black particles found in their drinking water and what they called a delayed ­official response to their reports, first filed on Friday last week. Director of Water Supplies Roger Wong Yan-lok said on Monday that samples taken... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3312738/source-black-particles-hong-kong-estates-water-supply-remains-mystery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3312738/source-black-particles-hong-kong-estates-water-supply-remains-mystery?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:29:42 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin The freshwater supply at a Hong Kong public housing estate in the New Territories is safe, authorities have said, after residents voiced worries over black particles found in their drinking water. The Water Supplies Department on Saturday sought to reassure tenants of Queens Hill Estate in Fanling following complaints about a delayed official response to reports of impurities in the water supply. Residents on Friday began posting photos to social media of tap filters that had collected a large... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3312598/black-particles-water-hong-kong-says-supply-public-housing-estate-safe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3312598/black-particles-water-hong-kong-says-supply-public-housing-estate-safe?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 May 2025 11:51:31 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification In our rapidly evolving world, Hong Kong must adapt and harness digital technology to manage its most precious resource – water. At the moment, however, Hong Kong is lagging far behind other world... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3300811/hong-kong-needs-smarter-approach-water-management?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3300811/hong-kong-needs-smarter-approach-water-management?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Mar 2025 03:30:09 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong authorities have suspended the water supply from the Kowloon Reservoir following the discovery of a submerged car linked to a 2023 case involving a floating body. A man spotted the overturned rusty vehicle at the bottom of the reservoir at about 5pm on Saturday, near Kam Shan Tree Walk in Kam Shan Country Park. Oil slicks were also reportedly observed on the water surface. Firefighters and divers were dispatched to the scene but no one was found inside the vehicle. The Post learned... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3297081/hong-kong-halts-use-reservoir-water-supply-after-submerged-car-found?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3297081/hong-kong-halts-use-reservoir-water-supply-after-submerged-car-found?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:05:02 +0000 Hong Kong authorities have apologised after a 12-hour water outage in Tung Chung affected tens of thousands of residents and hotel guests, and disrupted operations at restaurants and schools. Supply was mostly restored at 10.07am on Monday, according to the Water Supplies Department. It was originally expected to come back on at 6am, before it was pushed back to 7am, then 8am and eventually 10am. But district councillors said about 1,200 households at Yu Tai Court still had no water supply as of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3285040/water-supply-come-back-hong-kongs-tung-chung-10am-after-12-hour-outage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3285040/water-supply-come-back-hong-kongs-tung-chung-10am-after-12-hour-outage?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:45:30 +0000 A rise in water charges was just a matter of time now adjustments to government fees and levies are on the cards to help ease budget deficits. But the unsettled economic climate calls for a cautious and gradual approach, especially when the increase risks weighing heavily on some businesses and households. Even though charges have not been raised for almost three decades, and fall far short of covering the cost of supply, affordability must be taken into account when making adjustments. The... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3266075/bigger-bills-will-show-need-save-water-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3266075/bigger-bills-will-show-need-save-water-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Jun 2024 22:15:08 +0000 An increase in Hong Kong water charges will “definitely” be passed on to consumers given the poor economic outlook, industry representatives have warned after the government announced plans to raise the tariffs for the first time in three decades. Eric Chau Hon-keung of the Laundry Association of Hong Kong said on Monday that the increase in tariffs would hugely affect his industry, in which water bills made up a large proportion of costs. Chau told a radio show that water could cost laundry... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3265144/hong-kongs-first-water-rate-rise-3-decades-be-definitely-passed-consumers-industry-leaders-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3265144/hong-kongs-first-water-rate-rise-3-decades-be-definitely-passed-consumers-industry-leaders-say?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:23:02 +0000 I refer to the article, “Malaysia’s Anwar under pressure to ditch airport deal with BlackRock entity over Israel arms links” (May 24). Malaysia’s government is under pressure to drop an entity owned by American investment giant BlackRock from a plan to take the country’s largest airport operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), private. Gateway Development Alliance (GDA) is the consortium of three entities – Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the Employees Provident Fund and GIP Aurea – that is... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3264674/malaysias-airport-deal-legally-separate-does-not-mean-morally-separate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3264674/malaysias-airport-deal-legally-separate-does-not-mean-morally-separate?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 May 2024 03:30:12 +0000 Hong Kong will need to spend HK$15 billion (US$1.9 billion) over the next three years to buy fresh water from mainland China under a new deal which includes an annual 2.39 per cent price rise, the highest rate since 2018. The Development Bureau revealed on Wednesday that the three-year contract between Hong Kong and mainland authorities for water from the Dongjiang, or East River, in Guangdong province would run from January 1 until the end of 2026. Water prices will rise by 2.39 per cent... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3246433/hong-kong-spend-hk15-billion-fresh-water-mainland-china-over-next-three-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3246433/hong-kong-spend-hk15-billion-fresh-water-mainland-china-over-next-three-years?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Dec 2023 15:37:38 +0000 Hong Kong, like other jurisdictions with low water prices, should appeal to consumers’ environmental consciousness through corporate campaigns to drive conservation and climate resilience, according to a water-saving devices maker. In the absence of mandatory water-saving device retrofitting policies, companies can make a contribution through engagement programmes with employees as part of their sustainability initiatives, said Tommy Burk, president of Far East operations at Neoperl, one of the... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3213875/world-water-day-hong-kong-firms-can-fight-climate-change-water-saving-device-giveaways-swiss-firm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3213875/world-water-day-hong-kong-firms-can-fight-climate-change-water-saving-device-giveaways-swiss-firm?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Mar 2023 04:15:26 +0000 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015. It is a plan of action for both developing and developed nations to achieve 17 sustainable development goals, which cover a range of environmental and social issues, by 2030. Today is World Water Day, so let’s take a closer look at the sixth goal, which aims to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all. Currently, there are more than 733 million people living in places with high... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3214157/how-hong-kong-can-get-its-water-conservation-ducks-row?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3214157/how-hong-kong-can-get-its-water-conservation-ducks-row?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:15:08 +0000 An abnormal spate of melioidosis, a fatal infectious disease, in Hong Kong might have originated from the bacterium found in the soil on top of a reservoir in West Kowloon after a government investigation found the DNA profiles highly identical. Revealing the findings on Thursday, a top microbiologist leading the investigation said it was unknown how the bacterium had been passed on to the patients, stressing the city’s fresh water supply was still safe. “The tests conducted on water samples... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3198258/melioidosis-outbreak-hong-kong-may-have-originated-reservoir-west-kowloon-water-safe-says-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3198258/melioidosis-outbreak-hong-kong-may-have-originated-reservoir-west-kowloon-water-safe-says-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Nov 2022 07:17:16 +0000 Hong Kong has been dealing with a mysterious spate of melioidosis cases since August, with a cluster emerging in the Sham Shui Po district. The Post takes a look at what health authorities have found out so far and what residents should do about it. 1. What is melioidosis? Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is abundant in soils, especially moist clay, and muddy water. It is usually spread through contact with contaminated soil or... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3198035/melioidosis-outbreak-hong-kong-where-it-coming-and-how-can-you-protect-yourself?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3198035/melioidosis-outbreak-hong-kong-where-it-coming-and-how-can-you-protect-yourself?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:24 +0000 A Hong Kong watchdog has called on the Water Supplies Department (WSD) to speed up renovations for frequently rupturing saltwater mains after a report found more than a dozen such projects had yet to be completed after an average delay of 4½ years. According to the report by the Audit Commission on Wednesday, the department had previously identified 44 “hotspots” where saltwater mains had frequently burst and needed to be renovated. A hotspot refers to a location where at least two ruptures have... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3175725/audit-commission-calls-speedier-repairs-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3175725/audit-commission-calls-speedier-repairs-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:09:09 +0000 The approach of World Water Day on March 22 serves as a reminder that, worldwide, some 771 million people lack access to safe water. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic and countless other challenges facing humanity, we cannot forget the importance of water conservation as a means to make us more resilient to climate threats. The suspension of many economic activities in Hong Kong due to Covid-19 over the past two years has not lowered our fresh water consumption. On the contrary, we set a new record in... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3170841/hong-kongs-covid-19-struggle-adding-its-water-footprint-leaving?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3170841/hong-kongs-covid-19-struggle-adding-its-water-footprint-leaving?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Mar 2022 22:45:09 +0000 A river flowing through one of Hong Kong’s urban centres was called the world’s most polluted waterway in terms of the variety of pharmaceuticals it contained after a global study uncovered traces of 34 different drug types. Traces of antibiotics, caffeine and painkillers, as well as medications for neuropathic pain, diabetes and stomach acid relief, were found in samples taken from the Kai Tak River as part of a study led by the University of York in Britain. Many of the same pharmaceuticals... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3167157/antibiotics-and-diabetic-medication-among-record?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3167157/antibiotics-and-diabetic-medication-among-record?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:44:33 +0000 Drinking water at a commercial building in Wan Chai has been found to contain an excessive amount of lead, Hong Kong officials said on Wednesday. The discovery, which was revealed by the Water Supplies Department, was the first since a government monitoring programme was launched four years ago. Authorities have refused to identify the private building concerned. Announcing the weekly monitoring data for consumers’ taps under the Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring Programme, the department said... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3154752/drinking-water-hong-kong-building-found-contain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3154752/drinking-water-hong-kong-building-found-contain?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:22:00 +0000 The world is moving towards large-scale urbanisation. China’s Greater Bay Area is likely to become the world’s largest-ever urban agglomeration as the Chinese government plans to link 11 cities in the Pearl River Delta region. The development zone, home to financial and tech hubs like Hong Kong and Shenzhen, could have a combined gross domestic product of US$1.5 trillion. The total population will probably exceed 70 million as economic opportunities attract more people. Exactly how sustainable... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3152851/how-ai-can-be-key-water-security-chinas-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3152851/how-ai-can-be-key-water-security-chinas-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Oct 2021 01:45:12 +0000 Two subcontractors accused of giving false evidence in an inquiry into tainted drinking water in Hong Kong public housing estates in 2015 have been acquitted after a judge accepted they may not have known the difference between leaded and lead-free solder at the time. Defendants Mok Hoi-kwong, of Wing Hing Plumbing Drainage, and Siu Kin-wong, of Hang Lee Engineering Company, were each cleared of one count of perjury in the District Court on Saturday in a case centred on the accounts they gave... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3129041/hong-kong-subcontractors-cleared-perjury-charge-linked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3129041/hong-kong-subcontractors-cleared-perjury-charge-linked?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Apr 2021 09:12:07 +0000 A century-old aqueduct at Hong Kong’s oldest reservoir has survived to this day, but only a small section of it has been declared a historic building, leaving most of the structure unprotected. Now conservation and heritage experts want the government to do more to save the remaining sections of the Pok Fu Lam Conduit before they fall into ruin. Their call came in the wake of the near-demolition last month of a century-old underground reservoir at Bishop Hill in Shek Kip Mei, Sham Shui Po. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3117086/hong-kong-heritage-buffs-want-remains-historic-pok-fu-lam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3117086/hong-kong-heritage-buffs-want-remains-historic-pok-fu-lam?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Jan 2021 01:00:11 +0000 Hongkongers have long taken fresh water for granted, agreements with Guangdong province ensuring a guaranteed supply even during droughts. That has meant excess and waste, with each person using 130 litres a day, about 20 per cent above the global average. The latest deal will hopefully start to change that mindset, with payment being only for the amount pumped to the city from the Dongjiang, or East River. But while that is likely to mean the government’s bill will be less, it is only when... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3116212/new-water-deal-step-right-direction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3116212/new-water-deal-step-right-direction?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jan 2021 16:01:34 +0000 Hong Kong has reached a new water import deal with mainland Chinese authorities, with the city now able to pay only for the actual amount supplied, saving an estimated HK$324 million (US$42 million) over nine years. The new “package deal deductible sum” agreement with Guangdong province for water from the Dongjiang, or East River, for 2021-23 was signed by Secretary for Development Michael Wong Wai-lun on Monday. Water prices are set to increase 1.33 per cent annually to account for the exchange... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3115607/hong-kong-strikes-new-water-import-deal-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3115607/hong-kong-strikes-new-water-import-deal-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Dec 2020 18:15:28 +0000 Hong Kong’s water consumption this year will be higher as we have all been washing our hands and cleaning floors etc more frequently since the first outbreak of Covid-19. Such precautionary hygiene measures are essential in a pandemic. However, we should not overlook the additional stress being put on Hong Kong’s water supply. According to the Water Supplies Department, the city’s fresh water consumption for the first eight months this year was 678 million cubic metres, up 2.6 per cent year on... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3104762/why-covid-19-means-hong-kong-needs-more-seawater-flush?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3104762/why-covid-19-means-hong-kong-needs-more-seawater-flush?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Oct 2020 22:25:17 +0000 In 1963, Hong Kong was gripped by a water shortage. “The dry winter season has already arrived yet only 31.47 inches of rain fell from the beginning of May to the end of September, against an average of 67.53 inches for this period,” reported the South China Morning Post on October 7 of that year. A fleet of tankers was chartered “for the Pearl River water run” to maintain the “once-in-four-days water supply”, but a long-term solution was necessary “to avoid a recur­rence of this year’s crisis... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/3104648/hong-kong-built-desalination-plant-combat-water?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/3104648/hong-kong-built-desalination-plant-combat-water?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Oct 2020 07:15:16 +0000 Hong Kong is notorious for its dependence on imports. Consumer goods, food, electricity and, crucially, water. In fact, our reliance on drinking water piped across the border is cited as one of the main reasons the British quickly agreed to return the territory to China in 1997 without seriously considering other options – China could simply turn off the tap. The credit cards in our wallets are in America’s pocket HONG KONG DROUGHT OF THE 1960s In the 1960s, Hong Kong was struck by a severe... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3099331/japan-will-profit-singapores-taste-sewage-hong-kong-dig?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3099331/japan-will-profit-singapores-taste-sewage-hong-kong-dig?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Aug 2020 02:30:06 +0000 March 22 was World Water Day, with this year’s theme highlighting the intricate link between water and climate change. Longer hot seasons, more intense rainstorms, rising sea levels, and the increasing threat of storm surges from extreme weather events, climate change exacerbates many water threats to Hong Kong. But water security is a key issue that is often understated outside of the Water Supplies Department. Despite being surrounded by water, Hong Kong is starved for freshwater, lacking... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3077073/dont-let-hong-kong-end-paying-heavy-price-cheap-water?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3077073/dont-let-hong-kong-end-paying-heavy-price-cheap-water?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2020 00:00:15 +0000 The theme for World Water Day 2020 today, Water and Climate Change, highlights the close relationship between the two. Worldwide, 785 million people are short of drinking water. The United Nations says global water use has been increasing at more than twice the rate of global population growth in the last century. Water is a scarce resource worldwide due to climate change, pollution and population growth. If Hong Kong became unable to draw its water supply from Dongjiang for some reason, the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3076072/world-water-day-what-singapore-could-teach-hong-kong-about-secure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3076072/world-water-day-what-singapore-could-teach-hong-kong-about-secure?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2020 23:15:08 +0000