Stumbling upon this marker you might ask what is Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 22? It is more than just a marker. It whispers tales of Hong Kong’s early water management. Today we are standing before Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 22. These markers defined the water catchment areas for the Kowloon Reservoir.
Let’s step back to the early 1900s. Hong Kong was growing fast. The demand for fresh water soared. Kowloon Reservoir was built between 1901 and 1910. It was the first reservoir in the New Territories.
To protect the water source, the government erected boundary stones in 1902. These stones marked the limits of the reservoir’s catchment area. This ensured that the water remained clean. It also prevented unauthorized access. According to records from 1911, thirty-two boundary stones were erected.
Take a closer look at Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 22. It is made of concrete and stands about one meter tall. The stone is shaped like a square pillar. The top has a somewhat beveled form. You can see the inscription. It reads “K.W.W. 1902 No. 22”. K.W.W. stands for Kowloon Water Works. The number indicates its sequential placement. Most stones face outward. This indicates the edge of the water catchment area. Stone number 7 is unique. It has inscriptions on both sides.
In 2010, the Water Supplies Department surveyed the boundary stones. They recorded the locations of some stones. Citizens have also discovered some. To date, twenty-five boundary stones have been recorded. Stones 1 and 2 are located at Smuggler’s Ridge. Numbers 6 and 7 are at Eagle’s Nest. The remaining stones are near Kowloon Reservoir. They are also near Shek Lei Pui Reservoir and Golden Hill. Sadly stone number 1 has already fallen.
Navigating to Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 22 is not for the faint of heart. One has to traverse hidden paths. One also has to ascend steep slopes. Exercise caution and do not blindly follow GPS. Instead look northeast for a small trail. This leads directly to a wild ridge where stone 22 is located.
These stones are not officially recognized as monuments. But they are important historical artifacts. They tell us about water management. They also speak of colonial Hong Kong. Hopefully the Water Supplies Department will protect them. The hope is to prevent further loss of these relics.
As we conclude our visit to Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 22 remember its importance. It is a silent witness. It stands as a reminder of Hong Kong’s past. It also shows the challenges of providing fresh water.