Public consultation on supply of recycled water in Hong Kong starts today

     The Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (October 19) launched a 60-day public consultation on the supply of recycled water in Hong Kong. The public consultation will end on December 17.
 
     Recycled water comprises reclaimed water (from the processing of treated effluent from sewage treatment works), treated grey water (from the treatment of used water collected from baths, wash basins, kitchen sinks or similar fitments) and rainwater harvested in housing developments or facilities.
 
     "To cope with the challenges brought about by climate change on water resources, the WSD has been actively exploring new water resources that are not susceptible to climate change, such as recycled water. Taking the opportunity arising from upgrading of Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works to tertiary treatment level by the Drainage Services Department, the WSD plans to further process the treated effluent from the plant to produce reclaimed water, which will be supplied to the north-eastern part of the New Territories, including Sheung Shui and Fanling, to replace fresh water for flushing in the area from 2022 progressively," a spokesman for the WSD said.

     In view of the plan to supply recycled water in Hong Kong, the WSD is formulating proposals on aspects including the supply, charge and use of recycled water. Public views are invited on the proposals which include the following key items:

(1) Supply of recycled water by the WSD for non-potable uses, such as flushing;
(2) Measures to prevent misuse of the recycled water supplied by the WSD and cross-connections between fresh water supply systems and recycled water supply systems, such as exploring colour-labelling of recycled water;
(3) Charge for use of recycled water supplied by the WSD, such as supplying recycled water for flushing free-of-charge;
(4) Control of the use of recycled water supplied by parties other than the WSD; and
(5) Implementation arrangements of the proposals.

     Members of the public are welcome to send their views to the WSD by email (rewconsultation@wsd.gov.hk), by fax (2802 2579), or by post (Research and Development Unit, Development (2) Division, Development Branch, Water Supplies Department, 46/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong) during the consultation period.

     The consultation document can be downloaded from the WSD's website (www.wsd.gov.hk/en/pconsultation/recycle.html) and is also available at all Home Affairs Enquiry Centres and WSD's Customer Enquiry Centres.

     The WSD will hold three public forums to gauge public views on the proposals. The forums will be conducted in Cantonese with simultaneous interpretation in English. Details are as follows:
 

 
     Members of the public who would like to attend the above public forums may reserve seats by calling 3428 5084 during office hours (from 9am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays except public holidays) or completing the reply slip available at the WSD's website (www.wsd.gov.hk/en/pconsultation/recycle.html) and returning the slip by email (rewconsultation@wsd.gov.hk) or by fax (2802 2579). Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-in registration will also be accepted when there are vacant seats on the spot.