Investigation and rectification works for lead exceedance in drinking water samples found under Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring Programme completed

     A spokesman for the Water Supplies Department (WSD) said today (March 25) that in connection with the exceedance in the lead levels over the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards (HKDWS) in drinking water samples collected from a private non-domestic premises in Wan Chai in late October last year under the Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring Programme, the investigation and necessary rectification works have been completed by the qualified person engaged by the responsible person of the premises concerned.
      
     Investigations revealed that the water tanks in the building's internal water supply system of the premises had not been cleaned for an extended period of time and contained metal fragments, which caused the exceedance in the lead content in the drinking water samples concerned. After the cleaning works of the building's water tanks, the qualified person collected and tested the drinking water samples from the building and the results showed that the lead content of all of the water samples met the HKDWS. The WSD subsequently conducted re-testing at the premises concerned and confirmed that the lead content of the drinking water samples complied with the HKDWS. Following this case, the WSD reminded the building owner and the property manager concerned to properly manage and maintain the internal water supply system to ensure that the drinking water quality of the building complies with the HKDWS.
      
     In addition, property owners and property management agents are advised to implement a water safety plan for buildings and to join the Quality Water Supply Scheme for Buildings – Fresh Water (Management System) in safeguarding buildings' drinking water safety. Members of the public may visit the WSD website for more information on drinking water safety in buildings.