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South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong water safety scandal: what happened and how to protect yourself
Hong Kong's leader has rolled out 10 measures to address a freshwater contamination case involving banned substances dirtying the supply at two public housing estates. Advertisement The Post unpacks the water safety concerns behind the saga and how people can protect themselves. 1. What's the scandal about? Residents at two public rental and subsidised estates in Fanling first reported the presence of black particles in their drinking water on Friday last week, prompting some to buy bottled water as speculation mounted over the source of the mysterious dark specks. Government test results on Thursday confirmed that the particles found in the freshwater supply at Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court in Fanling were bitumen, a substance produced through the distillation of crude oil and known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties. It has been banned from use in water pipes since 2005, but authorities have stressed that the water remains safe to consume. A resident at Queens Hill Estate in Fanling buys bottled water following concerns over water safety. Photo: Nora Tam The latest tests showed the bitumen was found to be mixed with resin, a thick substance typically produced by plants.
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Test results for black particles found in 2 estates' water supplies due this week
Hong Kong authorities are conducting laboratory tests on black particles found in the water supply of two housing estates to ease residents' concerns, with the results expected to come back this week, the development minister has said. Advertisement Tenants at Queen's Hill Estate in Fanling last week raised concerns about black particles in their freshwater supply, which were followed by similar reports from residents at the nearby Shan Lai Court. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho sought to reassure residents on Wednesday that both the public and private housing estates' water supplies complied with government standards. She also acknowledged tenants' concerns and said authorities had started tracing the source of the black particles with the help of laboratory tests. The results were expected to be ready this week, she added. Linn said the situation had improved after management at the two estates had cleaned the internal water pipes and tanks, and added filters to the pipes. Advertisement She said some residents were no longer finding black particles in their water, and only individual households were still discovering trace amounts.
