A spokesman for the Water Supplies Department (WSD) said today (September 27) that Escherichia coli (E. Coli) was found preliminarily in the drinking water samples collected from the Wu Kau Tang Fresh Water Tank on September 23 and 25 during the routine monitoring of the drinking water quality. The testing results have been confirmed today with the presence of 1 cfu/100 mL of E. Coli in the water samples.
According to the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards, the standard value of E. Coli in drinking water is 0 cfu/100 mL.
The WSD staff are now contacting about 200 households in the possibly affected water supply network, which includes Kau Tam Tso, Miu Tin, Lai Tau Shek, Sam A, Lai Chi Wo, So Lo Pun, Ap Chau, Ngau Shi Wu, Sai Lau Kong, Kat O, Wu Kau Tang and villages in its proximity (i.e. Tin Sam, Lo Wai, San Uk Tsuen, San Uk Ha, Leng Pui, Ho Pui, Sam Ka Tsuen, etc.), to provide appropriate assistance, as well as reminding the households to adopt corresponding preventive measures. The measures include boiling the tap water for drinking, food or beverage preparation, making ice, dish washing, mouth rinsing or tooth brushing. In addition, water wagons and/or water tanks have been arranged at the possibly affected areas to provide temporary water supply for the residents in need.
An initial investigation by the WSD showed that the exceedance in E. Coli in the drinking water samples might be caused by the contamination of the said water tank. Further investigation is now underway. The WSD has suspended the use of the said water tank, followed by cleansing and flushing of the water supply system related to the water tank. The customers concerned will be advised upon the resumption of the normal water supply. Members of the public may call the Customer Services Hotline of the WSD on 2824 5000 for enquiries.
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