Was it a surveyor who placed Kowloon Water Works boundary stone No. 27 here? Was it a worker ensuring the reservoir’s boundaries were clearly marked? We are standing before Kowloon Water Works boundary stone No. 27. It is a silent witness to Hong Kong’s history.
This boundary stone is not just a marker. It represents a crucial chapter in Hong Kong’s water management. The stone dates back to 1902. It was erected to define the boundaries of the Kowloon Reservoir’s water collection area.
In 1902, this stone was one of 32 such markers. They defined the reservoir’s water catchment and the limits of water extraction from the stream above Cheung Sha Wan. These stones ensured the purity and supply of water.
Look closely at the stone. You will see the inscription KWW 1902 No. 27. KWW stands for Kowloon Water Works. The number denotes its place in the sequence of boundary markers. Notice how the inscribed face points away from the reservoir. This indicates the boundary of the water collection zone.
Imagine the scene in 1902. Workers carefully placing each stone. These markers were vital. They protected the water supply for a growing Hong Kong. The British needed to manage resources carefully. They leased land from the Qing Dynasty. The border stones marked what was British territory.
These markers were left for later generations. It was estimated that about 30 boundary stones were erected. Today, only seven remain undiscovered.
The Water Supplies Department surveyed these stones in 2010. Citizens have also helped locate them. Twenty-five boundary stones have been recorded to date. Nos. 1 and 2 are on Needle Hill. Nos. 6 and 7 are on Smuggler’s Ridge. The rest are near Kowloon Reservoir, Stonecutters Island Reservoir, and Golden Hill.
Finding these stones often involves hiking up hills. Boundary stone No. 27 sits atop a peak. To reach it, one must ascend a steep path.
We are fortunate to stand before Kowloon Water Works boundary stone No. 27. It connects us to the past. It reminds us of the importance of water management in Hong Kong’s development. As you leave this spot, remember the silent story this stone tells. It is a story of careful planning. It is a story of resource management. It is a story etched in stone.