Deep in Kowloon’s hills stands a silent witness to Hong Kong’s history. It is Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 11. This stone marks a boundary of the Kowloon Reservoir. The reservoir was built between 1901 and 1910. It was the first reservoir on the Kowloon Peninsula.
Do you see its square shape? The stone tapers slightly near the top. It stands about one meter tall. Look closely at the side facing away from the water. You can see an inscription. It reads “K.W.W. 1902 No. 11”.
“K.W.W.” stands for Kowloon Water Works. The number helps identify the boundary stone. These stones defined the water catchment area. The area ensured a clean water supply. Imagine this area over a hundred years ago.
There were a total of 32 boundary stones erected in 1902. These stones marked the boundaries of the water catchment area. This ensured the purity of Hong Kong’s water supply. Today only 25 of these stones have been located. Boundary Stone No. 11 is one of them.
Many of the stones are still missing. Perhaps you will be the next to discover one. Take a moment to appreciate this relic. Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 11 connects us to old Hong Kong. It reminds us of the importance of water management. This seemingly simple stone has a story to tell.