Here we are at the Plover Cove Water Scheme Intake AF. The Plover Cove Reservoir is behind it. This is no ordinary reservoir. It is the world’s first reservoir built in the sea.
The Plover Cove Water Scheme was an unprecedented engineering feat. Imagine damming a sea inlet. Engineers pumped out seawater and filled the area with fresh water. This innovative solution addressed Hong Kong’s growing need for fresh water.
Construction on the Plover Cove Water Scheme began in 1960. It was completed in 1968. The initial capacity was 170 million cubic meters. In 1973, further work increased the reservoir’s capacity to 230 million cubic meters.
The dam itself stretches approximately two kilometers. It was constructed using layers of sand and gravel. Interestingly, the Plover Cove site was once known for pearl production. Over time pearl production declined. Now, it serves as a natural fishpond. Many fish species breed here.
The idea for the Plover Cove Scheme came from Mr. T O Morgan. He was the Director of Water Supplies. He conceived the idea while swimming in the sea at Plover Cove. His vision was to turn the sea inlet into a freshwater reservoir.
Post-war Hong Kong faced significant population growth. This created a rising demand for fresh water. The government constructed new reservoirs. They also developed an integrated distribution system. This allowed water to be moved around the territory. The Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and Shek Pik Reservoir were completed between 1957 and 1963. They provided an additional 10 million gallons of storage capacity. But this was not enough. Water shortages continued.
By the late 1950s, the population growth of 5% threatened to outstrip the planned water supply. Unreliable summer rains compounded this issue. Additional water sources were needed. Storing water over multiple seasons was also crucial. A new reservoir with a capacity of at least 10 billion gallons was necessary. Finding a suitable site within Hong Kong was a challenge.
Following Mr. Morgan’s idea, two suitable seawater inlet sites were identified. These were Plover Cove and Hebe Haven. In July 1958, investigations commenced at both sites.
The Plover Cove scheme involved constructing a 1.9km dam across the sea inlet. Secondary dams between adjacent islands would also be built. A pump house would be located near the dam. Twin 1.2m diameter submarine pipelines would pass under the Tolo Harbour. These would connect to a new water treatment works above Tai Po.
In January 1960, new developments changed the approach to water supply. The consultant explored integrating the two proposals. The government negotiated water supply from the Mainland and other northern sources.
The new Sham Chun or Shenzhen Reservoir supplemented the local water supply. It was integrated into the supply scheme.
The Director of Public Works prepared a new assessment of water demand. It indicated a higher annual consumption increase. The scheme needed to be enhanced.
In early 1960, the scheme was refined. The goal was to raise the combined yield. This was achieved through optimisation, integration, and expansions. The changes included:
Sending surplus water from Hebe Haven to Plover Cove. Replacing the pumped supply system with deep tunnels. Constructing a large water treatment plant at the Shatin site. Providing new balancing reservoirs. Extending the scheme north of Tai Po.
By adopting a tunnelled solution, the scheme could operate using gravity flow. This minimised the need to pump water. The tunnels could transfer water into Plover Cove in the wet season. In the dry season, they would extract water from the reservoir.
Construction of the Plover Cove Reservoir required innovation. No one had tried to convert a seawater inlet into a freshwater dam before.
The Plover Cove Water Scheme stands as a testament to human ingenuity. It demonstrates our ability to overcome challenges. It ensured a stable water supply for Hong Kong.