“Flushing water supply to all premises in Tai Po District has been suspended.” That was the radio announcement on December 17, 2002. It was due to a salt water main fault here at the Tai Po Salt Water Pumping Station.
Welcome to the Tai Po Salt Water Pumping Station. This station plays a crucial role in Hong Kong’s water supply system. It is responsible for pumping seawater for flushing purposes.
Hong Kong recognized the need to conserve fresh water early on. In 1957, authorities suggested using seawater for flushing in new Kowloon areas. Shek Kip Mei and Li Cheng Uk resettlement areas were the first to get it. These areas had high population densities. The scheme worked well. It expanded to other parts of Hong Kong.
Seawater is a sustainable resource. It now serves 85% of Hong Kong’s population for flushing. This reduces the demand for precious freshwater reserves. The Tai Po Salt Water Pumping Station is vital to this system.
In 2002, a main fault at the Tai Po Salt Water Pumping Station caused a temporary suspension of flushing water. Repair work was carried out urgently. Normal service resumed at 5 pm that day. Imagine the disruption such a fault could cause today.
Hong Kong has a long history of innovative water management. In 1851, the government funded wells for public water access. By 1860, small ponds stored water from main streams.
The first reservoir, Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, opened in 1863. It held 2 million gallons. An 1877 extension increased capacity to 68 million gallons. Pok Fu Lam Reservoir still contributes to Hong Kong’s water supply today.
Tai Tam Reservoir followed. It took 35 years to complete. The Tai Tam scheme remains an important part of the city’s freshwater supply. It showcases innovative engineering from the 20th century.
The Kowloon Reservoir changed water supply to the Kowloon Peninsula. Rainwater replaced well water. The Yau Ma Tei Pumping Station used to pump out subterranean water. The Kowloon reservoir system expanded several times. It now holds 2,873,000 cubic meters.
A cross-harbour submarine pipeline was built in 1930. It eased water shortages on Hong Kong Island. Laying 6,000 feet of pipeline along the seabed was a challenge. Yet, it was done in just 57 days.
To address increasing demand, Hong Kong began importing water from Guangdong Province in 1960. An agreement secured 22.7 million cubic meters of raw water annually from the Shenzhen Reservoir.
The Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Scheme followed in 1963. By 1965, Hong Kong received water from Dongjiang. This continues to be a crucial water source.
In 1960, Plover Cove was chosen as the site for a reservoir reclaimed from the sea. Construction started in 1961. It finished in 1968 costing $407,000,000. The sea water was pumped out. Fresh water was stored there.
The Tai Mei Tuk Pumping Station transfers fresh water from Plover Cove Reservoir. It goes to the Sha Tin Water Treatment Works. There, it is treated and delivered through pipelines.
Hong Kong even built the world’s largest desalination plant in 1973. It was the Lok On Pai Desalter. The plant closed in 1982 due to rising oil prices.
The Water Supplies Department launched a major mains replacement program in 2000. It aimed to replace about 3,000 kilometers of aged water mains. The program finished in 2015.
The Total Water Management Strategy in 2008 focused on water conservation. It also strengthened water supply management.
Forty-one waterworks structures have become historic monuments. They are integral to Hong Kong’s development over the past 160 years.
The Tai Po Water Treatment Works expanded. Phase One finished in 2011 boosting output to 400,000 cubic meters per day.
The Tai Po Salt Water Pumping Station along with these other projects demonstrates Hong Kong’s commitment to efficient water management. It ensures a sustainable water supply for the city.