Hong’ao Reservoir

Gazing at the shimmering expanse of Hong’ao Reservoir, have you ever wondered about its vital role in quenching Hong Kong’s thirst? Hong’ao Reservoir, a name etched in the history of water management, stands as a silent testament to the complex relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China. It’s a story of political maneuvering, engineering feats, and the sheer will to overcome a critical resource shortage. The reservoir’s construction was a remarkable feat. Imagine thousands of workers, armed with basic tools, transforming the landscape in a race against time. The urgency was palpable. The goal: to complete the dam before the 1960 rainy season. The workers toiled day and night, their efforts culminating in the “100 days dam,” a testament to human endeavor. Hong’ao Reservoir, originally intended to irrigate farmland and generate electricity for the Po On district, became a lifeline for Hong Kong. In 1960, amidst a severe water shortage, Guangdong authorities offered to supply water from the newly completed Hong’ao Reservoir. This presented a political dilemma for Hong Kong Governor Black. While acknowledging the desperate need for water, he was wary of becoming reliant on mainland China. The negotiations were delicate, with Hong Kong striving to secure a competitive price and avoid any appearance of charity. The final agreement, signed on November 15, 1960, was a landmark moment. It stipulated the supply of 5,000 million gallons of water annually, delivered via a pipeline to the border, for a fee. But the story doesn’t end there. The construction of a pipeline to transport the water from Hong’ao Reservoir to Hong Kong’s existing water system was another engineering marvel. The 16km pipeline traversed challenging terrain, requiring the acquisition of land and round-the-clock construction. The first drops of water from Hong’ao Reservoir flowed into Hong Kong’s system on December 5, 1960, marking a turning point in the city’s water security. Hong’ao Reservoir’s contribution was significant, providing much-needed relief during the dry season. However, the drought of 1963 highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of Hong Kong’s water supply. This paved the way for the ambitious Dongjiang Water Supply Scheme, further solidifying the interdependence between Hong Kong and mainland China. Today, as you stand before Hong’ao Reservoir, its calm surface belies the dramatic story of its creation and the crucial role it played in shaping the region’s history.