228 Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation
of water a year. Dongjiang is the major source of raw water for Hong Kong. The 2006 water supply agreement expired at the end of 2008. A new water supply agreement for 2009 to 2011 was signed in December 2008. This will maintain the same benefits of the current agreement despite increasing demand for the scarce fresh water resources from cities in Guangdong. There will be flexibility in the daily. supply rate to tie in with seasonal fluctuations in the local yield, which will enable Hong Kong to have better control of the storage level in reservoirs, thereby minimising wastage and saving pumping costs. It also guarantees the long-term. supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong.
Water Storage and Consumption
Full supply was maintained throughout the year. At the end of 2008, some 415 million cubic metres of water was in storage, compared with 386 million cubic metres a year earlier. Hong Kong's two largest reservoirs, High Island and Plover Cove held a total of 364 million cubic metres. Rainfall of 3 066 millimetres, 29 per cent higher than the annual average of 2 383 millimetres, was recorded in 2008.
The average daily consumption of water in 2008 was 2.612 million cubic metres, compared with 2.605 million cubic metres in 2007. Some 956 million cubic metres of potable water was consumed in 2008, compared with 951 million cubic metres in 2007. In addition, 275 million cubic metres of sea water was used for flushing, compared with 271 million cubic metres in 2007.
Total Water Management
The Government is proceeding with a Total Water Management (TWM) Programme. A study has been commissioned to examine water demand and supply in Hong Kong and to evaluate all major options for their management. Based on the findings of the study, a TWM strategy has been formulated. It aims to manage the water demand and supply in an integrated, multi-sectoral and sustainable manner. The strategy puts emphasis on containing growth of water demand through conservation while the supply management will also be strengthened.
On water demand management, the key initiatives are the implementation of active leakage control, extension of the use of seawater for toilet flushing, stepping up public education on water conservation and promotion of the use of water saving devices, including the development of a voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme. The current practice in protection of water supply resources will be strengthened. Subject to the final results of two current pilot schemes on use of reclaimed water in Ngong Ping and Shek Wu Hui, the Government will consider a plan to provide reclaimed water from the Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works for consumers in Sheung Shui and Fanling for toilet flushing and other non-potable uses. In addition, the Government will conduct trials in the re-use of grey water and of rainwater harvesting and it will encourage private developers to consider them. The option of seawater desalination will be further developed.
Water Works
Works on the first, second and third stages of the programme for the replacement and rehabilitation of some 3 000 kilometres of water mains began in
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.