In view of media reports on excess lead found in the drinking water in some flats in Kwai Tsui Estate, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) has approached the tenants concerned and conducted water sampling for two of the flats upon obtaining the tenants' consent. The test results showed that the lead content of the water samples was within limit.
A spokesman for the WSD said today (July 19), "The water samples were taken from two flats in Bik Tsui House of Kwai Tsui Estate. The lead content of the six-hour stagnation water samples taken from the two flats was 2 micrograms per litre which was within limit (i.e. lead content not exceeding 10 micrograms per litre)."
As the two flats are with tenants newly moved in, the WSD has recommended the tenants of these flats to flush the drinking water supply system of their flats twice a day (every morning and night for 15 minutes) for three consecutive days from today. The WSD will revisit these flats to collect drinking water samples to test if there will be changes to the water quality.
The spokesman said that when collecting water samples in the two flats, it was noticed that the tenants had altered the water pipes and replaced the water taps of the flats. As new fittings will generally have a higher metal leaching rate during their early stage of use, the WSD reminded the tenants to thoroughly flush the concerned pipes and fittings to ensure water safety.
In fact, the WSD has been publicising via various channels, such as website, posters and water bill messages to new registered consumers, that the abovementioned flushing process should be conducted when moving into a new flat or after replumbing works of flats.
"As testing of metal contents in water samples involves measuring trace chemicals, stringent sampling procedures and testing protocols shall be followed otherwise any contamination by the surrounding environment (such as renovation works in the flat) may affect the test result. Extra care should be taken during sample collection for such purpose to avoid the test result from being affected by contaminant in the surrounding environment," the spokesman said.
The WSD continues to approach the tenants of the remaining flats alleged to have excess lead found in drinking water for arranging water sampling test in these flats.
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