Astonishingly this is Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank. Before 1906 Kowloon’s water supply was basic. Three wells several pipes a water tank and dams held underground water. The New Territories weren’t included then. By 1901 Kowloon’s population doubled. The old system couldn’t cope. In 1898 the New Territories became British. A solution was needed urgently.
Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank was part of that solution. The Kowloon Waterworks Gravitation Scheme was proposed. It included a storage reservoir three filter beds and two miles of channels. This impressive scheme was to include Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank. After the Second Convention of Peking the colonial pipework began.
Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank was built by Denison Ram & Gibbs. They also built The Helena May Eliot Hall and the old Repulse Bay Hotel. The tank used local materials. Cement came from Green Island. Sand came from nearby beaches. Igneous rocks were hand-crushed. Ingeniously Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank was built to last. It’s still intact without steel bars. Granite pillars brick arches concrete floors and walls make up this unique tank.
Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank is a fascinating blend of local materials and Western design. The grand colonnade has 108 masonry piers. Each pier uses 14 granite blocks in a rusticated style. The arches are uniquely carved. The design recalls Roman aqueducts and tanks. The mortar bricks are in a Flemish bond. This is a special pattern where bricks alternate horizontally and vertically.
Completed in 1904 Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank is 457 metres in diameter and 68 metres high. It’s circular for maximum area with a short perimeter wall. It held 218 million gallons of water. Gravity moved the water through the pipes. From the Kowloon Reservoir water flowed to filter beds then to Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank. Finally the water went to the distribution system. Light openings ventilators balancing pipes and a masonry portal are features of this old reservoir.
Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank was a balance tank. It stored excess water. The gravitation system allowed fire hydrants to be installed in 1906. Sadly leaks caused Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank to be suspended in 1938. The Japanese occupation delayed repairs. It was recommissioned in 1951. A 150-millimetre concrete wall was added to fix the leaks. This reduced capacity to 107 million gallons.
Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank was decommissioned in 1970. The Shek Kip Mei Fresh Water Service Reservoir replaced it. The newer reservoir held 30 million gallons. Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank was sealed. In 2017 it faced demolition. Thankfully it’s now a Grade 1 historic building. Black’s Link Fresh Water Tank stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s history. A beautiful blend of Eastern wisdom and Western artistry.