***********************************************************
The Director of Water Supplies, Mr Ma Lee-tak, said today (August 22) that the Quality Water Recognition Scheme for Buildings (QWRSB) has covered more than 1.13 million registered accounts in the territory, representing an increase of 20,000 when compared with last year. Mr Ma appealed for further support from property management companies and property owners for the scheme to enable more people to enjoy quality water.
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) held the annual certificate presentation ceremony for the scheme today. A total of 3,682 certificates were issued this year, 200 certificates more than the number issued last year. Close to 100 certificates were awarded to industrial/commercial buildings, the category that has seen the most significant increase, showing that the awareness of water quality management has extended from the family to the workplace.
Officiating at the ceremony, Mr Ma said that the WSD also introduced the Flushing Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme in July to further promote proper maintenance of plumbing systems. He said he looks forward to working closely with the industry in enhancing the flushing systems of buildings.
The WSD launched the voluntary QWRSB in 2002 and refined it in 2008 by introducing three grades of certificates (Gold, Silver and Blue) according to the number of years of continuous participation. Buildings joining the QWRSB have to ensure that their fresh water plumbing systems are inspected every three months by licensed plumbers, qualified building services surveyors or engineers, and that the systems are confirmed to be in good condition. All defects identified in the inspections should be promptly rectified. The water tanks also need to be cleaned every three months.
Under the QWRSB, water samples are taken in accordance with recommended procedures and tested for specified items - once a year for new applications and once every two years for renewal applications. The water samples should be taken within three months from the date of submission of the application. Certificates are awarded when test results meet the acceptable limits of water quality indicators.
Details of the QWRSB and application procedures are available on the WSD's website (www.wsd.gov.hk) and from the WSD's 24-hour enquiry hotline, 2824 5000.
Ends/Thursday, August 22, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:16
NNNN
