ENG-2002 — Page 287

LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

is expected when the construction of the Dongshen closed aqueduct system is completed in 2003.

Water Storage and Consumption

Full supply to consumers was maintained throughout the year. At the end of 2002, 442 million cubic metres of water were in storage, compared with 444 million cubic metres at the end of 2001. Hong Kong's two largest reservoirs, High Island and Plover Cove, held 385 million cubic metres. Rainfall of 2 490 millimetres

12.47 per cent

higher than the annual average of 2 214 millimetres - was recorded in 2002,

A peak daily consumption of 2.83 million cubic metres was recorded on September 9, compared with the 2001 peak of 2.79 million cubic metres. The average daily consumption throughout the year was 2.6 million cubic metres, compared with the 2001 average of 2.57 million cubic metres. The consumption of potable water totalled 949 million cubic metres, compared with 940 million cubic metres in 2001. In addition, 235 million cubic metres of sea water were supplied for flushing, compared with 236 million cubic metres in 2001.

Water Works

The first stage of the 20-year programme for the replacement or rehabilitation of some 3 050 kilometres of watermains is under way. Construction is in progress on the water treatment works in Tai Po and additional service reservoirs, pumping stations and water supply networks in Kowloon West and East, Hong Kong Island, Pok Fu Lam (including the Cyberport project), Tseung Kwan O, Sha Tin, Tai Po and North District, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai and North Lantau (for the Hong Kong Disneyland project). Major improvement work on the sea water supply system for Central Kowloon and Tsuen Wan continues.

Continuing planning work is in hand to increase the water supply capacity to meet demands from new developments in Central, Wan Chai, western and south-western areas on Hong Kong Island; Kwun Tong in Kowloon; and Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing, Yuen Long, Hung Shui Kiu, North Lantau, Tseung Kwan O, and the north-eastern and north-western New Territories. Major design works are focused on the provision of additional service reservoirs, pumping stations and water supply networks in North Point, Quarry Bay, Pok Fu Lam, Western, Central and Wan Chai areas on Hong Kong Island; Kowloon East, West Kowloon Reclamation and Cha Kwo Ling; and Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tai Po, Tin Shui Wai, Tseung Kwan O, and North Lantau. With the endorsement of the Advisory Committee on the Quality of Water Supplies, strategies and implementation plans were prepared to build up confidence in direct consumption of water from taps. A voluntary Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme was launched in July to encourage proper maintenance of internal plumbing systems and regular cleaning of water tanks in buildings.

Water Accounts and Customer Relations

During the year, the number of consumer accounts continued to rise at a rate of about 2.5 per cent per year and the consumer account base expanded to approximately 2.5 million accounts at year-end. To provide greater convenience for customers, applications for a change of consumership, change of mailing address, change of water bill language for a domestic account can be made online. The Water Supplies

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