Four new pumping stations were commissioned. The division now operates a total of 54 pumping installations. Total installed horsepower throughout the Colony increased by 11.2%.
10.57. The imbalance of storage between Plover Cove reservoir and the older reservoirs involved major pumping modification at the River Indus pumping station so that a greater proportion of water from China could be pumped to Tai Lam Chung reservoir instead of Tai Po Tau. Since Tai Lam Chung is higher than Tai Po Tau, it was necessary for six pumpsets, each capable of pumping 20 million gallons of water per day, to be connected in series so that they could deliver to the higher level.
10.58. Three new pumpsets each capable of pumping 30 million gallons of water per day were quickly installed at Tai Po Tau pumping station so that a greater quantity of water could be pumped from Plover Cove reservoir to Sha Tin treatment works thus replacing the deficit caused by the modifications to the River Indus pumping station.
10.59. At Sha Tin a temporary pumping station was built and two pumpsets borrowed from other installations, with a total capacity of 16 million gallons per day, were installed to boost supplies of filtered water to Kowloon.
10.60. The work at the River Indus, Tai Po Tau and Sha Tin involved the installation of all spare high tension switch gear and cabling, moving large pumps, motors and valves and installing new pipework. All of this work had to be carried out with the greatest speed in order to obtain a satisfactory storage position in the older reservoirs and thereby ensuring continuation of 24 hours supply to all parts of the Colony.
10.61. The plant until recently installed on the floating pumping station at Plover Cove was completely reconditioned and placed in readiness for possible future use. The pontoon was overhauled and repainted.
10.62. The old Kwun Tong salt water pumping station in Hoi Bun Road near the present passenger ferry pier was demolished and the plant dismantled. New plant of increased capacity was installed in a new station which was built adjacent to the site of the old one. (See para. 10.64)
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