Can you imagine a reservoir built in the ocean? Welcome to Plover Cove. This isn’t just any body of water. Plover Cove Reservoir in Hong Kong is a marvel of engineering. It’s the world’s first freshwater coastal lake. Created from a bay it holds 230 billion liters of water.
The story of Plover Cove begins with a population boom in the 1950s. Hong Kong needed more water. Land for a new reservoir was scarce. Then a brilliant idea struck. Former Director of Water Supplies Mr TO Morgan was swimming in Plover Cove. He envisioned transforming this inlet into a massive reservoir.
Construction began in 1960. It was a thirteen-year project. A main dam two kilometers long and as tall as a nine-story building was built. Three smaller dams helped seal off Plover Cove from the sea. The seawater was pumped out. Finally fresh water filled the reservoir.
But this wasn’t just about water. The creation of the reservoir meant the relocation of several Hakka villages. Their homes were submerged. The government compensated the villagers with new homes in Tai Po. Fishermen from Sam Mun Tsai were moved to a new village on Yim Tin Tsai island.
Today Plover Cove is more than just a reservoir. It’s a vibrant ecosystem. It’s also part of Plover Cove Country Park. Here you can find diverse wildlife including Chinese porcupines. Chinese pangolins and even rare butterflies. The park offers hiking trails such as the Bride’s Pool Nature Trail. Bride’s Pool itself is a picturesque waterfall with a tragic legend. They say a bride drowned there on her wedding day.
The park also includes Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park. It encompasses beautiful islands like Ping Chau. Ping Chau boasts unique rock formations shaped by wind and waves. There is a unique stromatolite rock formation. This amazing structure shows layers of sedimentation and erosion over millions of years.
Plover Cove is a breathtaking place. It’s a testament to human ingenuity. It’s also a beautiful natural haven. A place where history engineering and nature come together. A place you won’t soon forget.