TNAG-0093-FCO40-129-Water-supplies-1968 — Page 78

CONFIDENTIAL

10

(c)

(d)

(a)

(b)

(c)

-

· 3.

: XCC(67)71

deletorious to health, though it probably will raise problems of palatability. However, this is considerably higher than we went in 1963, there may be problems for industry in accepting water of this degree of salinity and Director of Commerce and Industry is being consulted on this aspect.

Temporary flood pumping schemes

The possibility of obtaining additional yield by pumping water from streams, particularly in the Castle Peak area is being investigated,

Desalination

Although desalination offers no immediate solution the Director of Public Works has recommended that the possibility of limited desalination in parallel with the development of conventional supply schemes should be investigated. This recommendation is now under consideration,

The means of reducing consumption include:

Publicity on need to save water

A Publicity Committee has been formed with representatives from Government Information Services, Waterworks Office, Secretariat for Chinese Affairs and the New Territories Administration, and is preparing a campaign which will be instituted as soon as possible. The objective is to reduce domestic consumption to 6 gallons per head per day.

Reduction of supply generally, or to particular categories of consumer

Concessionary users are squatters (standpipes 4 hours daily, Resettlement estates (4 hours every 2 days) and industry (daily supply of varying periods, 4 hours and up- wards). Preliminary assessment of consumption by these categories does not appear to justify withdrawal of concessions at this stage. However, it is considered that industrial supplies should be reviewed and that co-operation of the Commissioner for Resettlement, Commissioner for Housing and the Housing Society should be enlisted in reducing their consumption figures which are at present higher than those in Low Cost Housing and squatter areas. It is not considered that a general reduction of supply should be made at least until the publicity campaign has had a chance to take effect.

Provision of more non-potable water for flushing

Publicity will encourage the use of private wells and it is proposed to take action where necessary and possibly to require landlords to keep wells and pumps in good working order.

CONFIDENTIAL