THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1929.
GOVERNMENT'S WATER SUPPLY
POLICY.
RIDER MAIN SYSTEM TO BE ABOLISHED.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR OUTLINES PRESENT POSITION AND FUTURE PLANS.
WHAT THE SHING MUN VALLEY SCHEME WILL MEAN.
At yesterday's meeting of the Legislative Council H., the Governor (Sir Cecil Clementi, K.O.M.Q.) gave the following review of the Government's water supply policy—both with regard to the Island and Mainland developments. The Government aims at the eventual ́abolition of the rider main system in favour of meters in all houses,
The schemes now in band allow expansion up to a supply of 20 million gallors a day.
This Year's Crisis Reviewed. H.E. The Governor Sir Cecil Clementi said:
Peak District Waterboat, Wharves and Contractors in respect of their build- ing supplies receive no free allowance and
73 ela.
$1.00
charged for at the following pri voir. The reservoir site within ees per thousand gallons:-
the dow of the sea would have a (a) filtered water-
capacity of 700 million gallons; Hong Kong and Eow-
but, when investigated in 1004, loon
rock foundation for the dam was not found until a depth of 65 feet below ordnance" datùm had been reached. As the site is below sea- level, most difficult and costly coffer-dams would have to be built and the expense of the scheme would be out of proportion to the supply gained. An additional re- servoir might be built directly be low the existing Pok-fu-lam re servoir. It would have a capacity of 78 million gallons; but its con sumption of the Hong Kong Dairy A higher price is charg-struction would necessitate the re Farm and is for this reason un- desirable.
pay a flat rate of £1.00" (b) unfiltered water-33 cents (Fanling $1.001 with no free allow aner. No water rates are imposed in districts supplied with unfilter
Honourairie Members of the Legislative Council, For many months past our principal anxiety has been the very serious water shortage in the Colony, and especi ally on Hong. Kung istand, due to an abnormally low rainfall. This water emergency arose in spite of the fact that all the storage reser- rairs of the Colony overflowed in 1928. The last dates in that year when the reservoirs րի Honk Kong island stood at overflow-level were as follows:-Wong-naich'unged in the Peak District, because in 4th June, Pok-fu-lam "3th June, Tytum Byewash 13th June, Tytan that district the use of filtered water from the mains for flushing 18th June. Tytan-tuk 8th July and Tytam Intermediate 17th closets has been permitted. A
counts are rendered quarterly and November. On the mainland, in
money does not rench the Treasury until some menths after the first day of the quarter brought to ac: count.
1028, Shek-lai-pui reservoir last
stood at over dow-level on the 8th September and Kowloon reservoir on the 28th November. But the rainfall for the second half of 1998 was only 2280 inches-the lowest éver recorded; and the rainfall from the beginning of this year to the 19th July last, when the drought may be said to have ended, was only 15.56 inches, making a total of 38.05 inches during a period of little over twelve months. The lowest rainfall ever previously recorded in this Colony
ed water.
with a capacity of eleven million for this second reservoir has not
gallons. The expenditure incurr. edd on the development of this Sheng-mun scheme up to the 30th June last was 89,324,490, the whole of which has been charged to the Colony's loan account.
The Harbour Fipe Line.
In order that water from the Sheng-mun scheme may be avail- able on Hong Kong island, works estimated to cost $361,802 must still be completed, including the land pipe-line to Kowloon Point, and the pipeline across the bed of Hong Kong harbour. Of the pipe
line on the mainland 20,280′′ fert
have already been completed, leav ing 3,300 feet to be laid at Sham- shui-po and 150 feet across the rail- way terminus,
Eventually there will also be 3,000 feet on Hong Kong island but it is not proposed to undertake this section of the land pipeline until late in next year. Instead a temporary connection with the city mains near Statue Pier will be made in the first instance," in order to expedite the delivery of water from the mainland to the island. The drawings and details, of the harbour pipe-line have been worked out submitted to the Con- sulting Engineers and approved by them.
yet been determined, It is also very likely that this Council will be invited before long to approve the construction of catchwaters running along the whole southern face of Toi-mo-shan and discharg ing through Pineapple Pass into it is estimated that an additional the Sheng-mun gorge reservoir, for catchment area of 9,575 acres would thus be obtained. But the schemes known as the second, third and fourth sections of the Sheng-mus valley waterworks are still in a though it is safe to predict that in very rough and inchoate "form,
Government will have to the near future the Hong Kong apend about ten million dollars upon waterworks construction addition al to that already sanctioned and now in progress. When this has been done, and if the pipeline across the bed of the harbour pro- ves to be a success, the requirements both of Hong Kong island and of Old and New Kowloon should for a time be adequately supplied.
The pipes, which are 12 dianie- ter steel maina, are due for de- liver in the Colony at the end of this month, and meanwhile dredg-and ing operations along the line across the hed of the harbour have been commenced. We now hope that Sheng-mun water may be brought to Hong Kong early in next year by means of this pipe line, which is estimated to be cap- able of delivering 3 millions gal lons a day across the harbour.
15
Use of Salt Water. The possibility of using salt water for fire fighting, for road watering and for flushing sewers has been carefully investigated. It is computed that the quantity of water used for fire fighting has never in this Colony exceeded one million gallons a year; and the amount used for read watering
cleansing side-channels estimated as 6 million gallons a
demand year. This
can be adequately met in years of normal rainfall by the use of water from the nullahs and in times of drought salt water can be used, when necessary, in streets adjacent to the sea. For flushing closets and sewers the majority of build- Kowloon's Increasing Hoods. ings now obtain their supplies Here, however, it is necessary to
'from wells and nullahs, and at the
existing waterworks on the island sound a note of caution. The
present time only 88 million gal lons a year are drawn from the with a total storage of 118,414,000
starego reservoirs for this purpose. gallons and a total catchment aren
The total annual demand for these of 3.979 acres are enlculated to
three services is, therefore, less have a capacity of 7.25 million gai-
than 100 million gallons and does Jons a day; but a modest estimate not warrant the installation of an would here be necessary, one across of the full water supply require elaborate and expensive system of Stanton Creek near Aberdeen and ments of the island is ten million piped sea water laid on through- the other at the brickworks close to gallons a day. Thus the estimated out, the city. But the whole ques- Deep Water Bay. This reservoir supply falls short of the estimated tion of the development of our aul- would have a capacity of 2,500 requirements by 275 million gallah supplies to their utmost capac million gallons; but its catchment lons a day. At first sight it might, ity is now receiving the attention would be small for its size, altherefore, seem that an additional of the Public Works Department.
the delivery of more than three mil though the overflows from Aberdeen and Wong-nai-ch'ung re-lion gallons a day through the servoirs could be diverted into it."
Another natural site for a re servoir is the basin on the south side of the island containing the village of Little. Hong Kong and bounded on the north by Bennets Hill and Mount Cameron and on the
Deficiencies of Elder Mala System.south by Brick Hill. Two dams
Such being the present position as regards water storage and water distribution, it has been brought home to us very clearly during the
last twelve months that our stor
age is inadequate and that in time of drought our system of conserv ing water is clumsy and ineffici- ent. For we have found the rider main system to be sadly lacking in flexibility. There are six rider- main districts and, in order that the pressure may auffice to give top floors a supply, the water must be Lured on to each district in rotation. Thus 'a twelve hours' supply in the trunk mains will only give each rider main district a two hours' supply, and even a two hours supply often fails to convey" water to upper floors in Lenement houses, owing: to the
for twelve consecutive months was 43.83 inches in 1895. The recent drought was, therefore, much the most severe in the Colony's history and its effect was suck that on the 11th July, 1020, when our island re- selvoirs were at their lowest, the total water storage in Hong Kong was only 150 million gallons, while on the 5th June, 1929, when our mainland reservoirs were at their lowest, the total water storage in Kowloon was only 70 million gal: draw-off by inhabitants on lower loua. This means that the island Hoors Supply from the trunk- and mainland reservoirs were so depleted that no more than 7 per mains under a system of universal cent, and, 15 per cent, respectively meterage would be far more satis of their aggregate, capacities, refactory, as it should enable the mained in storage. Since the 12th Water Authority to reduce the July lact we have fortunately had period of supply to six hours or
heavy rains and our anxieties have been somewhat relieved. But it has been brought hone to every resident in this Colony in an un- mistakable manner that our water problem is the most pressing and the most important of our domes tie problems; and it is quite clear to all of us that an adequate solu tion of this problem is imperative
After reviewing the water works' history of the Colony, at length His Excellency continued:-
harbour pipeling would suffice for our present needs.
A Full Supply to Every House. The aim of this Government is to give every house connected with All water from it would have to
the waterworks, both on Hong be pumped; and, in view of the But two considerations combine Kong island and on the mainland, great length of the dams, the con- to make the outlook less favour a full supply of filtered water siderable resumptions necessary able. In the first place, Old Kow throughout the year. This should and the heavy contingent works, loon and New Kowloon are grow become possible in 1932, when the the reservoir would be costly ing at an abnormal rate. Now, in first section of the Sheng-men Moreover, in the public interest it cluding that part of the Sheng-scheme, the Kowloon Byewash re- is not advisable to submerge this mun scheme already completed, the servoir and the new Aberdeen re- valuable area of fat land, the last existing waterworks on the main servoir will, we hope, all have been such area remaining in Hoogland have total storage of completed; for the capacity of the Kong island.
301,750,000 gallons and a total existing waterworks on the island, Finally it would be possible to catchment area of 4,270 acres. namely 7.25 million gallons a day, build two additional reservoirs Their estimated capacity is five will then be increased by 3 million with an aggregate capacity of 114 million gallons a day, while a me- gallons a day from Sheng mun and the Taikoo dest estimate of the full water sup- 2.12 million gallons a day from million gallons in
Aberdeen. The maximum rate" of catchment on the slopes of Mount ply requirements of Old and New
Kowloon is 4.18 million gallons a supply to the island would, there- Butler. Bat the water rights in the locality are held by Messrs. day. There is, therefore, at pre- fore, amount to 12.87 million gal Butterfield and Swire, whose exist- sent only a surplus of 820,000 gallons a day for a demand which, esa without thereby inflicting dising reservoirs Government would lons a day available on the main according to the estimate of Mr. have to acquire as a preliminary land; and in a few years time, R. M. Henderson, our Waterworks proportionate hardship on anyone. It is manifest, that our first step
to further development; and, even if the population on the northern Engineer, may in that year he as should be to build inore reservoirs ;
if resumption were effected, it shores of the harbour continues to much as 11.8 million gallons a day. but unfortunately the configura
seems likely that most of the water increase. this surplus will have When we are thus little ahead of the daily demand, and not lag. procurable would be needed for the vanished. Then again there is a
ging behind the requirements of Taikoo Sugar Refinery and Dock second consideration. The utmost,
our population in the matter of yard and that comparatively lit which the harbour pine-line now ile could be made available for about to be constructed can deli-
water supply, we ought to be able public use. The examination of ver, is 3 million gallons a day, to abolish the rider-mains and these six schemes has, therefore, led But bitter experience this year has give a metered service throughout my Government to conclude that shown us that in time of drought Victoria City, the cost of water. all six should be postponed until only one million gallons a day flow being paid for in proportion to the scheme for providing Hong down the conduit from Sheng-man the amount consumed and at a Kong island with water from the valley; and in time of drought it price commensurate with mainland has been put to the test. is, therefore, unlikely that much Colony's qutlay on waterworks.
The Shing Mun Scheme.
water from Sheng-mun could be So I come to the question of made available on Hong Kong is waterworks finance. The Construction work
capital upon this land, unless and until more storage outlay of this Government on Shengmun reservoirs have been constructed waterworks from the date when the
on the mainland.
first storage scheme at Pok-fu-lam was begun down to the present time is as follows:-
lion of Hong Kong is such that storage possibilities on the island are very limited. There is how
one auditional storage scheme, of which this Council has approved, and which is now being carried out, namely that, at Aber deen.
An access
The Aberdeen Scheme. A bill was introduoed in this Council in July. 1003, providing for the resumption by Government The Aberdeen scheme provides for the Inging of rider mains in areas which were defined as "rider with a capacity of 8 million gal
of the existing storage reservoir main districts." This bill was
lons constructed by the Tai Shing scheme, known as the passed into law on the 17th September, 1903.
Paper Manufacturing Company in scheme, began in 1923, Under its pro visions practically the whole of the Aberdeen valley. This resump-rond 10 feet in width and 1.92 miles in length from Ta'ün-wan Victoria City below
tion has already been effected at a Kennedy
cost of $525,000, of which a sum to Pineapple Pass was completed Road, Caine Road and High
in 1925. In the same year were also Street, including East Point and of 832,500 has been paid on Kennedy Town Districts, has been count, the balance being payable completed the intake dam across
early
Sheng-mun next year. The Aberdeen the
River above brought within the definition of
scheme further provides for the Pineapple Pass, the temporary rider-main district.
construction of additional-conduit 6,000 feet in length from ly below the existing Kowloon re- storage reservoir in this valley, this intake to, the point where the dam in the Sheng-mun gorge will cost be built, the North Conduit, 9,900 2000,000. The ancillary works, in- feet in length from this point to cluding catchwaters, mains, filters, the opening of the North Tunnel, an access road and a pumping and the South Conduit 2,000 feet station, are estimated to cost in length between the North and
Method of Payment. The present method of payment for water is as follows. "A rate of per cent on the assessed value of all premises both on the island and on the mainland, is charged for water-services, In consideration 'for the payment of this rate a so- called free allowance" of water is granted. This "free allowance"? is calculated from the number of thousand-gallon units which the per vent, rate will pay for at 40 eents & unit. Thus, if the 2 per cent rate on a given bouse were tea dollars a year, the free allow- ance" would be ten dollars divided hy 40 cents, . 25 units, .. 23,000 gallons a year. If, however, as in the ridermain districts, a house is not metered, the question of "free allowance"
estimated to contain 175 million
water and to
gallons of
$1.277,000.
South Tunnels.
has
Its cost
|
the
(a) Waterworks on Hong Kong
island:-
1. Pok-fu-lam reservoir
and contingent works 8 455,300 2. Tytam scheme
1,624,021
e. Weng naich ung
servoir, Bowen Road, filter and contingent. works
4. West Point flier-beds
scheme
6. Tytam-tuk scheme... 3,010,049 7. Elliot filter-beds and
service reservoir .... 8. Pok-fu-lam pumping- station............................
filter-beds
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537,802
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144,890
37,300
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758,821
'SIMPLICITY PORTABILITY APPEARANCE.
Kowloon Byewash Reservoir. One such reservoir for increasing water storage on the mainland is already under construction, neme- ly the Kowloon Byewash Reservoir. Its site is in the valley immediate-
estimated servoir. It and it will impound the overflows capacity of 175 million gallons, hath from Kowloon reservoir and from the raw water reception re- sorvoir in the lower Shek-lai-pui. Tytan intermediate valley. It requires no contingent works such ne filters or pumping In 1999 the North Tunnel 2,100 plant; and, although not a part The whole of this scheme will be financed by loan. It will much feet in length through Smugglers of the Sheng-mun scheme, it enn facilitate the supply of water to Ridge and the South Tunnel 4,853 be developed economically in con- the western end of Victoria City, feet in length through Golden Hillection with that scheme. where improved distribution is
is estimated at: 2000,000. Its con 9. Enstern were completed, and so also was
scheme. Aberdeen valley will be piped to most needed, for water from the the reservoir with a capacity of struction was approved by resolu
the 24th | 10. Workshop and plant 33 million gallons in the lower tion of this Council on
January last.
11. Воисл Road Alter- Further Schemes.
beds conversion I have now described all the 12. Shau-ki-wan supply... works already sanctioned and act. Repulse Bay supply... tually in progress. But there are 14. Distribution work...
water further waterworks, which we are 13. Miscellaneous anxious to take in hand as soon as works and minor ex- the schemes for them have been tensions to moins worked out in detail and estimates of their cost prepared. We hope with a little delay as possible to begin the construction of a dam in the Sheng-mun gorge. Its site has already been located, and it is
$ 123,612 roughly calculated that the reser 2. Kowloon reservoir and voir 6-formed will impound be gravitation scheme... 1,859,563 20 M.G. a Day-Eventually,
tween 1,000 and 1,500 million gal 3. Shek-lai-pui' reservoir 287,599 Immediately below the reception lons according to the height of the 4. Fan-ling water-supply reservoir in the lower Shek-lai-pui dam. I shall be prepared to put. Tai-po water-supply... valley is the site of a rapid grav this scheme before you, and invite e. Distribution works ... ity filtration plant to
deal
you to approve it as soon as reliable ultimately with 20 million gallons estimates of its cost are available day. The first section of thin Moreover, it is possible that fur- plant, capable of 'filtering five mii-ther examination of the Sheng- lion gallons a day has already been mun valley muy indicate the advia- completed and is now in operation. ability of constructing a second Adjoining these filters, there is storage reservoir higher up the under construction a covered, rein- stream than the site in the gorge; forced concrete service reservoir i but the best location of the dam
Six Island Bites.
Hong Kong island has shown that six such sites exist. But to each of them there are serious objections. Three
This trunk main will bring the Sheng-mun water tó
Kowloon Point and will have a total length of 24,030 feet with a feed to the Kowloon distribution, system at Pipers Hill, where covered rein-
forced concrete service reservoir
with a capacity of 14 million gal
the Elliot filter-beds, which are to Shek-lai-pui built to receive raw be augmented by a rapid gravity water delivered through these tun- filtration plant. At present, when nels. In the following year 150 Fok-fu-lam reservoir is depleted, it fect of the North Tunnel were is often difficult to maintain an straightened and 3,200 feet of 24" adequate supply to the Elliot filter steel inain were laid. beds from the Bowen Road Con- not arise; duit, does charge for excess consumption is made, and the supply is unlimited
O long as the amount of water An exhaustive examination of stored in our reservoirs permits, that is to say usually for about aix months in a year. During the res maining six months. in time of water shortage, house in the rider- main districts are oftan restricted to a supply of two hours a day while, in time of severe drought such as we have recently experi- enced, the supply even from the ridermaina is shut off and the in- habitants have to draw their water from the street-fountains. In Kowloon there are no rider mains and all unmetered houses obtain their supplies from the atreet-fountains.
tion."
more alorage reservoirs might be built in the Tytam val- ley, two at a köight of 750 feet above sea-level and one actually within the flow of the -sca in Tytan harbour. The two former would have capacities of 70 million and 40 million gallons, but they would be "inside the existing catch ment area of the original Tytam reservoir. They would, therefore, impound new supplies of water and in time of drought the water Excess consump stored in them would merely dimi- in metered premises is nish the storage, in Tytam reser
lons was completed in 1925!
324,023
88,999,010 (b) Waterworks on the main-
land:-
1. Original pumping
attheme
7. Lai-chi-kok, water-boat
gook...... 9. Miscellaneous water-
works.
9. Sheng. Mun water-
works to 30/6/20
44,752
28,175 476,087
520,440
102,527
2,324,400
83,551,550
(Continued on Page 8.)
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