Final preparations underway for commissioning of newly constructed temporary water mains at Ping Che Road on Sunday
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The WSD is thankful for the co-operation of various sectors of the community and road users, which has facilitated the full expedition and completion of the project on laying new temporary water mains as scheduled over a two-week time period.
The WSD will carry out a number of work processes on Saturday to connect the new water mains to the existing water supply system. Those processes include closing the existing valves, draining off the water in the water supply system, changing pipe fittings and welding the fittings to the new water mains, reopening the valves in phases and thoroughly flushing the water supply system. During the construction period, the water supply will have to be temporarily suspended so that the water supply route can be diverted to the newly laid temporary water mains.
To expedite the work processes so that the temporary water suspension duration can be shortened, the WSD will mobilise a workforce of about 200 to carry out the water main connection works during off-peak water usage hours, from 10pm on Saturday to 8am on Sunday, during which time the supply of fresh and flushing water to residents at the areas of Queen's Hill will be temporarily suspended. Affected areas will include Queens Hill Estate, Shan Lai Court, as well as 68 villages located at Sha Tau Kok Road (from Hung Leng Tsuen to Sha Tau Kok Town), Ping Che Road (from Hung Leng Tsuen to Wun Chuen Sin Kwoon), Ng Chow Road, Wo Keng Shan Road and Luk Keng. Since Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court have water tanks acting as buffers, the actual duration of the water suspension may be shortened from 11pm on Saturday to 7am on Sunday.
Owing to the above situation, the WSD appealed to affected consumers to finish major daily cleaning and store water as needed before 10pm on Saturday. During the water suspension period, the WSD will provide sufficient temporary water supply which includes:
- A total of 28 water tanks will be placed (before noon on Saturday) in Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court with the assistance of the Housing Department;
- Co-operation with the North District Office (NDO) of the Home Affairs Department and placement of water tanks (before noon on Saturday) at 26 temporary water supply collection points in the affected rural areas; and
- As some villages are remote with scattered populations, it may not be convenient for the residents to collect water at the designated water tanks. Therefore, the WSD, with the assistance of the NDO, will provide large bottled water to the affected villages through various distribution points.
Please see the Annex for the affected premises or villages, relevant locations of water tanks and distribution points of large bottled water.
To allow households to make early preparations, the WSD and the NDO have communicated with members of the North District Council, Rural Committees and Care Teams on the arrangements of the water suspension to put in place appropriate assistance measures for affected households. These measures include progressively distributing water suspension leaflets and affixing notices at conspicuous locations, and visiting households in need and social welfare organisations to remind them of making arrangements ahead of the suspension. Moreover, Care Teams will set up street counters again this weekend at Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court to provide the latest information and assistance. As for the rural areas, Care Teams will set up street counters at the community halls in Sha Tau Kok Town and Ta Kwu Ling. Residents in need may also seek assistance from Care Teams by phone or instant messaging applications.
Before the resumption of the water supply by 8am Sunday, the WSD will flush the related water mains to ensure that the water quality is clear. When the water supply resumes, drinking water in the water mains may contain more air which will form numerous air bubbles, thus making the water look milky. Individual consumers may encounter milky or slightly turbid water in the early stage of the water resumption, which is normal. The WSD suggests that consumers first remove strainers of water taps, continuously run the taps for a few minutes and reinstall the strainers after the water becomes clear. Alternatively, consumers can let the water stand in a container for a while. The water will become clear again as the air bubbles dissipate.
For enquiries regarding water supply matters, consumers may call the WSD's 24-hour hotline: 2824 5000. Residents of Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court may also call the respective 24-hour hotline of the estate/court at 2537 0001 or 2713 9530.
The WSD will also strive to replace the exposed temporary water mains which occupy part of the road with permanent underground water mains by end of this year. By that time, the section of temporary water mains will be relocated to other locations for reuse.
Ends/Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:02
Issued at HKT 18:02
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