Black Particles in Taikoo Shing Water Identified as Bitumen, Authorities Confirm

Hong Kong authorities have confirmed that black particles found in drinking water at some buildings in Taikoo Shing over the weekend were bitumen – months after similar incidents at other housing estates in the city.

The Water Supplies Department (WSD) said on Sunday that water pressure changes caused by water supply being redirected as part of pipe maintenance works “stirred up bitumen sediments in the pipes.” These sediments are inert substances and pose no harm to human health, the WSD said in a statement on Sunday evening.

The investigation was prompted after residents in Taikoo Shing, in eastern Hong Kong Island, reported seeing black spots in their water on Saturday. According to an earlier statement on Sunday afternoon, the WSD collected water samples from affected households, as well as from water tanks in buildings, for laboratory testing. The affected buildings, totalling 14, were mostly in phases four and five of the private residential development in Taikoo Shing.

It added that the investigation found damage to one of the filter facilities at the estate’s public water inlet, possibly causing a “small amount of sediment” to enter the water pipes and appear in drinking water. The department routinely inspects inlet filters, it said, and the most recent check-up in early November showed no abnormalities.

Bitumen protective coating

In its Sunday night statement, the WSD said it had repaired the damaged filter and strengthened pipe flushing to clean the inner walls of the water pipes. Cleansing of water tanks is also underway, and the WSD will continue to deploy water trucks and tanks to provide temporary water supply services to residents.

Bitumen is a common material used as a protective coating in water pipes to prevent rusting, though this practice was banned in 2005. The findings in Taikoo Shing come after similar incidents at other housing estates earlier this year.

In June, authorities confirmed that bitumen and resin were found in drinking water at Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court, both in Fanling. A month later, bitumen particles were discovered at Grand Promenade in Sai Wan Ho.

After the Fanling incident, authorities said that Hong Kong had around 700 kilometres of water pipes that had a bitumen protective coating on their inner wall and that the WSD had installed over 1,000 screen filters “at suitable locations.” They said it would review whether it is necessary to install more.

Key Details About the Incident

• Location: Taikoo Shing, a private residential development on Hong Kong Island.
• Affected Buildings: 14 buildings, primarily in phases four and five.
• Cause: Damage to a filter facility at the estate’s public water inlet, leading to sediment entering the water pipes.
• Response: Repairs to the damaged filter, increased pipe flushing, and cleansing of water tanks.
• Temporary Measures: Deployment of water trucks and tanks to support affected residents.

Background on Bitumen in Water Pipes

Bitumen has been historically used as a protective coating in water pipes to prevent corrosion. However, this practice was phased out in 2005 due to concerns about its safety and long-term effects. Despite the ban, some older infrastructure may still contain remnants of this material.

The use of bitumen in water systems is not unique to Hong Kong. Similar issues have been reported in other regions where aging infrastructure continues to pose challenges. In response to these incidents, authorities have taken steps to monitor and address potential risks.

Previous Incidents and Ongoing Concerns

The Taikoo Shing incident follows a series of similar cases across Hong Kong. In June, bitumen and resin were found in drinking water at two housing estates in Fanling. A month later, bitumen particles were discovered at another site in Sai Wan Ho.

These recurring issues have raised questions about the condition of Hong Kong’s water infrastructure. Authorities have acknowledged that there are approximately 700 kilometers of water pipes with bitumen coatings and have installed over 1,000 screen filters to mitigate risks. However, they have also stated that further reviews may be necessary to determine if additional measures are required.

Public Response and Health Implications

While the WSD has emphasized that the bitumen sediments found in the water are inert and pose no health risks, residents have expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents. Many are questioning the effectiveness of current maintenance practices and the long-term sustainability of existing water systems.

The department has assured the public that it is taking immediate action to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences. This includes repairing damaged components, enhancing filtration processes, and ensuring that water quality remains safe for consumption.

Conclusion

The recent discovery of bitumen in the water supply at Taikoo Shing highlights the ongoing challenges associated with maintaining aging infrastructure. While the situation has been addressed through repairs and enhanced monitoring, it underscores the need for continued investment in modernizing Hong Kong’s water systems. As authorities work to ensure the safety and reliability of the city’s water supply, residents remain vigilant, hoping for more transparent communication and proactive solutions to prevent future incidents.