Why is the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir so special? This reservoir is part of the Tai Tam Reservoirs. These reservoirs are located in Tai Tam Country Park on Hong Kong Island. The Tai Tam Reservoirs have a total storage capacity of 6.2 million cubic meters. They are managed by the Water Supplies Department of the Hong Kong Government.
The Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 19.6 million gallons. The reservoir was completed in 1907. William Chatham submitted a draft plan for the extension of the Tai Tam Water Supply System. It was called the Tai Tam Tuk Scheme. It would be carried out in two phases on 17 October 1903. The first phase was the construction of the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir. This phase was carried out from 1904 to 1907.
Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir is lower than the tunnel inlet of Tai Tam Upper Reservoir. It was necessary to build a raw water pumping station. This station is on the west bank of Tai Tam Bay. It pumps the stored water to Tai Tam Valley. Then it deploys it to the water supply system of the Central District. This happens through the entrance of the water conveyance tunnel.
In 1977, the Water Supplies Department lowered the dam’s spillway by three meters. This was for safety reasons. This has left the dam looking slightly indented at its crest. You can access the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir by the Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail. The Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir is still in operation today. The dam was constructed in slope style. The dam and valve house are listed as declared monuments since September 2009.
The reservoirs are surrounded by Mount Butler, Jardine’s Lookout, Violet Hill and Mount Parker. This creates a peaceful environment. The planning of the reservoirs is known as the Tai Tam scheme. It started early in 1872. It was shelved in 1874 due to economic depression. The scheme continued later in 1882. It was virtually completed in 1888. Yet again, the supply proved insufficient. The building of the Tai Tam Tuk dam began in 1912.
As part of the Tai Tam scheme, the UK colonial government commenced the construction of Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir in 1912. The project was completed in 1917. It cost 2.46 million Hong Kong dollars. It had a 1.42-billion-gallon capacity upon completion. The dam was designed by Daniel Jaffe. It was 60-feet tall and 800-feet wide. Twelve arches supported by granite columns were also built. They prop up Tai Tam Road, which connects Stanley and Chai Wan.
Governor Henry May officially announced the completion of the reservoir on 2 February 1918. The reservoir continues to operate today. In September 2009, the Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail opened. It covers the architectural landmarks of the reservoir system. Placards describe the features. They give insights into the work involved in the construction. This construction is the source of most of Hong Kong Island’s fresh water supply. Twenty-two facilities surrounding Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir were declared as monuments in 2009. These include pumping stations, masonry bridges, and the dam itself.
A restricted road, Tai Tam Reservoir Road, links reservoirs from Wong Nai Chung Gap to Tai Tam. Standing here at Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir you are witnessing part of a vital waterworks system. It has served Hong Kong for over a century. It represents both impressive engineering and a commitment to providing for the city’s needs.