CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949 — Page 49

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It will be seen from Plate 7 how successive estimates have all been low. In 1928 Mr. Henderson estimated that by 1932 the demand would be 16.5 M.G.D.; in fact, in spite of restrictions this figure was reached in 1931. In 1936 Mr. Binnie estimated for 23 M.G.D. by 1941; instead of which, again with restrictions, 27 M.G.D. was reached in 1939, and by 1947/48 this figure had reached 32 M.G.D.

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There can only be one objective for any Waterworks Organisa- tion, namely a full 24 hour supply to all consumers. This unfortun- ately has rarely been possible in Hong Kong and now is quite unattainable with the present resources. Apart altogether from the refugee influx there is the ordinary increase in population, and a greater per capita demand due to improved housing conditions.

Also, if Hong Kong is to tackle the problem of universal flushing instead of the out-dated night soil disposal still in use in large areas of the Colony, there will be an additional heavy load on the Waterworks.

Alternative sources of water have of course been frequently suggested. The conversion of seawater is an obvious possibility. Unless the use of solar energy can be developed however, there is little likelihood of this method being of use. In 1927 a detailed investiga- tion was made on the basis of oil or coal fuel and even with prices as they were then, coal at $11.20 to $13.20 per ton or oil at $35.00 per ton, it showed that the water would cost $2.89 per 1000 gallons, as compared with the cost of water supplied by the Waterworks at that date of about $0.30.

Sea water could also be used for flushing. This too was investi- gated in 1921 and again in 1927. It would be very expensive and the 1921 Committee reported as follows:-

"The time may come when the limit of the fresh water resources of the Colony has been so nearly reached that it will be more economical to obtain a supply of Salt Water than to obtain an equal additional supply of fresh water, but it does not appear that that time has yet arrived, and no works which may be carried out now for the use of fresh water will in any way interfere with the use of Salt Water when its use is found to be more economical."

That argument holds good for all the various alternatives, and it still remains the basis of Waterworks policy. Other fresh water resources are still available in the Colony, and one, the Tai Lam Chung Valley Scheme has been reported on favourably by Consulting Engineers. But this scheme will take several years to complete and has not even been authorised yet. In the meantime the prospect can only be one of restrictions every winter and possibly also in summer, if consumption keeps mounting at its present rate.

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