ENG-2017 — Page 263

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Planning, Land and Infrastructure

plumbing material control and commissioning requirements for new plumbing installations; water safety plans; publicity and public education; and a water safety regulatory regime.

Water Supplies

Water from Guangdong

Since 1965, Hong Kong has been receiving raw water from the Dongjiang, now the city's major source of raw water. The Dongjiang water supply agreement maintains flexibility in the daily supply rate, ensuring a reliable source of supply and avoiding wastage of precious water resources. About 651 million cubic metres of Dongjiang water was imported in 2017.

Water Storage and Consumption

Full supply was maintained throughout the year, during which the territory recorded 2,572mm of rainfall. Storage reservoirs held some 400 million cubic metres of water at the end of 2017.

There were about three million water consumer accounts as at the year end. Some 980 million cubic metres of fresh water was consumed in 2017, with an average daily supply of about 2.68 million cubic metres. Another 278 million cubic metres of sea water was supplied for toilet flushing.

Total Water Management

The government manages water demand and supply in an integrated, multisectoral and sustainable manner under its Total Water Management strategy. It contains growth in water demand through water conservation measures, which include running Cherish Water Campus, an educational programme for primary schools that has been extended to kindergartens on a pilot basis, installing flow controllers in public housing estates, schools and government buildings, and mandating the use of water-saving devices registered under the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme in new plumbing works.

In 2017, design of the first stage of a desalination plant in Tseung Kwan O continued. Infrastructural works to supply reclaimed water to the northeastern New Territories for non-potable uses started in April. The finance and legal framework on the supply of reclaimed water is being developed.

Water Works

The expansion of Tai Po Water Treatment Works and its ancillary water transfer facilities, as well as advance works for the in situ reprovisioning of the south works of Sha Tin Water Treatment Works, are targeted for completion in 2018.

Construction Industry

Construction Industry Council

The Construction Industry Council supports the development of the construction industry, in particular by training construction workers. In 2017, the council enhanced its training courses, upgraded the skills of workers including ethnic minorities, and stepped up publicity to attract new blood. It will set up a Hong Kong Institute of Construction to train more high-calibre and professional construction practitioners and provide them with clear career paths.

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