Why does this stone marker stand here seemingly alone? This is Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 8. It marks the boundary of the Kowloon Reservoir. This reservoir was the first in the New Territories. It was built between 1901 and 1910.
These boundary stones defined the water catchment area. They protected the water source from pollution. This was managed under the Waterworks Ordinance. The boundary stones marked the limits. They also secured water quality.
Look closely at Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 8. Notice its shape. It is a square pillar made of cement. Its top is pyramid-like. It stands about one meter tall.
Engraved on its side are the letters K.W.W. Then comes the year 1902. Finally, the number 8. K.W.W. stands for Kowloon Water Works. The number indicates its place in the sequence. Most stones have engravings facing away from the catchment area. But boundary stone No. 8 has inscriptions on two sides.
In 1911, there were 32 such stones. They cost $576 to build. Today only 25 have been found. The Water Supplies Department surveyed them in 2010. Citizens also helped locate them.
The stones suffered different fates over the years. Some have fallen. Some are weathered. Some are damaged. The lettering on some has faded making them hard to read.
These stones are not listed as official monuments. They are made of cement. Cement has a relatively short lifespan. Without protection these markers could disappear.
Discovered as recently as 2022 boundary stones 7 and 8 are more recent finds. They are near boundary stones 6 and 9.
Remember these stones were erected in 1902. This was earlier than the Victoria City boundary stones of 1903. These stones are silent witnesses to history. They are guardians of our vital water resources.