Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong's Water Supplies Department (WSD) ensures that all drinking water undergoes rigorous treatment processes, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, to meet the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards (HKDWS). These standards align with the World Health Organization's Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. The WSD maintains a comprehensive monitoring regime, conducting physical, chemical, bacteriological, biological, and radiological examinations throughout the water supply system. This ensures that water quality is consistently maintained from catchment areas to consumers' taps.
However, the quality of tap water can be influenced by the condition of a building's internal plumbing system. In 2015, incidents of lead contamination were reported in several public housing estates, primarily due to substandard plumbing materials and practices. These events underscored the importance of proper installation and maintenance of internal plumbing to prevent contamination.
To safeguard tap water quality, property owners and building managers are advised to:
Maintain Internal Plumbing: Ensure that plumbing systems are properly installed and regularly inspected to prevent contamination from materials like lead.
Clean Water Storage Tanks: Regularly clean water storage tanks to prevent the buildup of sediments and contaminants.
Flush Taps After Inactivity: If a tap hasn't been used for several hours or overnight, let the water run for a short period before using it for drinking or cooking. This practice helps flush out any impurities that may have accumulated.
By adhering to these practices and ensuring proper maintenance of internal plumbing systems, residents can confidently consume tap water in Hong Kong.
