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Five hikers were convicted at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts today (October 12) of entering the water at the water gathering ground in Shui Lo Cho at Yi O on Lantau Island in contravention of the Waterworks Ordinance. They were each fined $1,000.
"The gathering ground and the impounding reservoirs are both sources of fresh water and should not be contaminated. Hikers in particular should protect these precious water resources while enjoying the beautiful scenery there. Furthermore, the gathering ground and the impounding reservoirs are prone to serious flooding and therefore dangerous. They are definitely not suitable for water play or swimming," a spokesman for the Water Supplies Department (WSD) said.
The WSD received complaints in May this year concerning illegal entry to the water source at the gathering ground in Shui Lo Cho at Yi O, which caused pollution to fresh water resources. The department promptly took enforcement action with the Police and arrested 10 persons. Five of those arrested had earlier pleaded guilty at Eastern Magistrates' Courts and were each fined $500.
According to the Waterworks Ordinance, any person who bathes or washes in the waterworks is liable to prosecution, and on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public are advised to report any suspected violations of the Waterworks Ordinance to the WSD's 24-hour hotline at 2824 5000.
Ends/Monday, October 12, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:35
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