From the wells, which were at a level of 30 to 40 feet above the sea, the water is conveyed in iron pipes, laid as syphons so as to avoid deep trenches, to a storage tank of 150,000 gallons capacity at Yeumati. It is then pumped into a reservoir constructed on the top of an adjacent hill, 215 feet above sea level, and having a capacity of 160,000 gallons, and from there it is distributed through cast iron mains varying from seven inches to three inches in diameter and aggregating about 10 miles in length.
For the supply of the native population, numerous fountains are fixed in the various villages, most of the European houses having a supply laid on in the usual manner. All private supplies, whether for domestic or trade purposes, are, however, measured by meter.
To assist in regulating the supply, a second reservoir of 90,000 gallons capacity was constructed on a hill at Hung Hom, about two miles distant from Yaumati, at a height of 160 feet above the sea.
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The engines and pumps, which are in duplicate, are of the Worthington type and were supplied by Messrs. James Simpson and Co., London. Each set is capable of delivering 10,000 gallons per hour into the reservoir at Yaumati. The boilers were of the locomotive type and were supplied by Messrs. Marshall, Sons & Co., of Gainsborough.
The buildings at the pumping station include a workshop, fitters' quarters, and quarters for a European overseer, are constructed of Canton red bricks with granite dressings and are enclosed by a boundary wall.
Pumping was begun on December 24, 1895, and since then a constant supply of water to the whole of the district served has been maintained. Analyses of samples of the water have been made from time to time and have proved that the quality of the supply is excellent. That the works have contributed materially to the development of Kowloon, there can be little doubt, judging from the rapid expansion which has taken place since their inauguration.
The total cost has been as follows:
Preliminary works $8,983.33
Dams, wells, reservoirs, etc. $39,155.90
Pumping station buildings $13,571.00
Pumping machinery and boilers $17,538.71
Pipes, valves, fountains, etc. $41,914.81
Total $121,163.75