九龍水塘界石 No. 7

Deep in the hills surrounding Kowloon Water Works, secrets lie buried. These secrets are not of gold or pirates, but of stone. Boundary stones. Today, we stand before 九龍水塘界石 No. 7, a silent sentinel of Hong Kong’s water history. 九龍水塘界石 No. 7 is more than just a weathered stone. It represents a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s development, when the burgeoning city grappled with the growing need for a reliable water supply. Erected in 1902, this obelisk, along with 31 others, marked the boundaries of the Kowloon Water Works catchment area. These stones, each etched with “K.W.W. 1902” and a number, served as a stark warning. They delineated the area from which water was collected, ensuring its purity and safeguarding public health. Imagine the surveyors of 1902, painstakingly placing these markers across the rugged terrain. Their task was vital. The Kowloon Water Works, completed in 1910, was a marvel of engineering. It became the first reservoir in the New Territories, holding a staggering 3.5 million gallons of water. These boundary stones were a testament to its importance. Our stone, 九龍水塘界石 No. 7, has a unique story. Unlike most of its counterparts, which have the inscription facing away from the reservoir, this one bears markings on both sides. This anomaly hints at a possible repositioning, perhaps during later construction work. Its discovery in 2022, after being lost for years, was a triumph for local historians. It helped piece together a forgotten chapter of Hong Kong’s past. The rediscovery of 九龍水塘界石 No. 7 and No. 8 reminded everyone of the reservoir’s rich history. It sparked renewed interest in these seemingly insignificant markers, prompting further exploration and research into the other lost stones. These stones offer a tangible connection to the past. They allow us to glimpse the challenges faced by those who built this city and the ingenuity they employed to overcome them. 九龍水塘界石 No. 7 serves as a quiet reminder of their efforts and a testament to Hong Kong’s enduring spirit.