****************************************************
A Task Force set up by the Government is investigating the cause of excessive lead content in drinking water. Pending outcome of the study of the Task Force on the cause of excessive lead content in drinking water, the inter-departmental meeting, after considering the advice of professional departments, has come to a view that operators of the facilities built in or after 2005, the users of which are mainly children below six and users who stay in the facilities for a long time and consume drinking water, should consider installation of filters which can reduce the lead content in water.
The Education Bureau (EDB) is very concerned about the quality of drinking water in schools and has contacted the Government Logistics Department to make arrangement to assist kindergartens and schools in need (including schools built before 2005 and those non-Government built schools completed in or after 2005) for bulk purchase of filters.
The EDB has specially set up an enquiry hotline for schools to make enquiries or seek views on the lead in drinking water incident. They can call 3698 4125 during office hours. Besides, the EDB will, based on information gathered from telephone enquiries, review the current arrangement and plan follow-up actions so as to provide appropriate support for kindergartens and schools in need.
For individual schools which decide to conduct water tests on their own, they should note that the accuracy of such tests involves complex factors, including time, method and location of taking water samples, and whether examinations are conducted by accredited laboratories. The schools can make reference to the opening remarks of the Chief Chemist of the Water Supplies Department given at the press conference (August 27) on the latest follow-up work on excessive lead content in drinking water: www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201508/27/P201508270700.htm .
Ends/Saturday, August 29, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:05
NNNN
