Deep within the hills surrounding Kowloon Water Works, imagine stumbling upon a silent sentinel. This is the 九龍水塘界石 No. 12, a boundary stone marking the original perimeter of the reservoir. Kowloon Water Works, completed in 1910, was a marvel of engineering. It supplied water to the burgeoning population of the New Territories, marking a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s history. The boundary stones, like 九龍水塘界石 No. 12, erected in 1902, define the reservoir’s catchment area. These concrete obelisks, roughly one meter tall, bear the inscription “K.W.W. 1902 No. X”. “K.W.W” stands for Kowloon Water Works. The “X” represents the stone’s unique number. Interestingly, most boundary stones face away from the reservoir, a silent declaration of the protected area within. The number of these stones remains a mystery. Official records from 1911 list 32 stones. However, only 25 have been found. Perhaps, as you explore, you might uncover one of these lost markers. Kowloon Water Works and its boundary stones, like 九龍水塘界石 No. 12, offer a glimpse into a bygone era. They remind us of the ingenuity that shaped Hong Kong’s development. So, take a moment to appreciate these unassuming relics. They hold the secrets of a time when water was precious and boundaries were etched in stone.
Sai Wan Shan
Considering a hike today? Sai Wan Shan is calling us. Sai Wan Shan is a hill within Sai Kung East